Click & Treat...

I've been introduced to a new thing...'Clicker Training'...and (finally!) some agility exercises.

The bosses bought home a tyre on a stand that I can jump through...and also leave 4 posts in the ground for me to 'weave' through.

I'm great with TYRE..they say it and I run over and jump through. Fun.
WEAVE is a bit harder...I do it as long as the Boss is right there with me, but I won't just run off and do it by myself yet...it's a bit confusing...

Also, we go to train with another boss that I don't know...and she has a bunch of tunnels and jumps in a field that we play with.

My Boss said the clicker is part of the training...but I don't see how. All he does is push the button and make a click/clack noise...then give me a yummy treat...5 or 6 times in a row, twice a day.

If this is agility training, I've found my lifes work !!!

The correspondence continued...

You are on to it.. we now have a good number of Councils recognising the program with a 50% rebate on the annual fees and one even paying the club running the programs the NZKC $15 fee for the program.

regards

Brian Priest

Chief Executive Officer

Director / Secretary

New Zealand Kennel Club

Sent: Wednesday, 19 December 2007 4:02 p.m.
To: 'Brian Priest'
Subject: RE: Some thoughts on Canine Good Citizen

Thanks for that Brian...

let's encourage the local authorities to support CGC with 'Good Citizens Only' areas (Rather than 'No Dogs') .. along with a reduction in registration fees for successful dogs ...that would encourage participation, be partially self funding...and gain momentum one hopes....

---

From: Brian Priest
Sent: Wednesday, 19 December 2007 3:17 p.m.
To: 'Amigos Cafe'
Cc: 'Mike Bradley'
Subject: RE: Some thoughts on Canine Good Citizen

Hi Warren And Jake

Congratulations on your progress and yes we are looking at sponsors for the total CGC program which will enable us to consider your suggestion of suitable baubles to signify the achievements of the wearers.

While I agree that many will be agreeable to a small cost, regrettably it is not cost effective to produce them on individual demand thus there is an initial outlay in design and production.

A worthy sponsor would allow us the freedom to advance many of these initiatives

regards

Brian Priest

Chief Executive Officer

Director / Secretary

New Zealand Kennel Club

A letter sent by the Boss...

To the NZKC...

Hello.

My dog 'Jake' & I are currently at the Silver standard of CGC, with a Gold assessment hopefully in Feb/March.

It seems to me that while a certificate is a nice thing to have, it will invitably end up in a folder with all the dogs other bits and pieces of paper…and not promote the CGC scheme to a wider audience at all…What would be much nicer is a medallion for the dogs collar…perhaps a bronze/silver/gold…retaining the certificate only for the basic CGC level….(mind you, I find the 4th (lower) distinction a bit confusing to explain to people anyway…, and wonder about it's purpose. Perhaps a slightly lower standard for the bronze and correspondingly higher for silver would be a better approach?)

Obviously the NZKC are keen to minimise the costs to the end user…but I think a survey would show we will pay for such a nice bauble…particularly if it was an optional purchase…

...and something else…a certificate in the drawer at home is a poor reminder of my responsibilities when walking the dog, unlike a nice shiny trinket that catches the eye of everyone we encounter.

Just my 2 barks worth.

Merry Christmas to you all…

Warren & Jake
Lake Hawea
Wanaka.

The list...

On Saturday 24th Nov SDTC held Canine Good Citizen Assessments with excellent results.

Dogs awarded CGC Silver were

Bracken (English Springer) - Lucy Sandford-Reed

Oak (Ridgeback X)- Cheryl Wilson

Maddie (Border Collie) - Kelly Walker

Jake (Staffordshire Bull Terrier)- Nicki ...

Tinker (Golden Retriever)- Ian Spellerberg

Dogs awarded CGC Bronze were

Bailey (English Springer) - Gail O'Neill

Bracken - Lucy Sandford-Reed

Rocky (Huntaway X) - Mish Horka

Oak - Cheryl Wilson

Maddie - Kelly Walker

Jake - Nicki ...

Tinker - Ian Spellerberg

Trully (Poodle) - Barbara Meredith Chch Dog Training Club

Titania (Shetland Sheep Dog) - Rosena Smythe Chch Dog Training Club

Dogs Awarded Canine Good Citizen were:

Bailey - Gail O'Neill

Q (Border Collie X) - Andrea Byrom

J (Border Collie X) - Andrea Byrom

Finn (Border Collie Bull Terrier) - Vicky Quinn

Rocky - Mish Horka

Tinker - Ian Spellerberg

Trully - Barbara Meredith Chch Dog Training Club

Titania - Rosena Smythe Chch Dog Training Club

Deacon (Dalmatian) - Heather McCormick Chch Dog Training Club

Well done to the handlers and a big thanks to the Assessors Joanne Hammond, Dawn Pratley (SDTC dogs) & Lucy Sandford-Reed (CDTC dogs). Also a big thanks to the Trainers without whom the dogs and their handlers could not have reached the required standard.

Dawn & Joanne commented that the standard was much higher than they observed in May.

The day was a mix of fun, nervousness, hard work, and concentration. SDTC needs to be proud of the fact that there are now 5 Silver level dogs in the Club.

It looks like there will be assessments in May and November each year so now is the time to start thinking about the training requirements for the May assessment. Classes start 22 Jan 2008.

Contact Lucy for more info - details at the end of this e-mail.

And by the way - of course no bias "go Springers"! We were the majority breed across all levels for once!!!!!!

Who Knows there may be a visit to the Wanaka Outpost in the New Year for any keen souls and their dogs.

Quietly getting on with it...

Guess what...another big trip to Chch. over the weekend, and sat/passed the Bronze & Silver levels for Canine Good Citizen...

The other Boss took me, the Boss was working....it was no problem really...looking forward to having a crack at the Gold. We're going to go for that when we get some assessors to come here to Wanaka for the beginner CGC tests...hopefully in about Feb. next year.

No photos of this trip...oops!

A wag of Staffies..?

Well that was fun. We went up to the SCSBT ribbon & fun day over the weekend. Talk about a lot of waggy tails (tales?) The Boss has decided on a collective noun for a group of Staffords... Like you get a 'murder of crows', or an 'exultation of larks'...he thinks we should have a 'wag of Staffords'. Maybe!

Obviously none of the 20 or so dogs that were present have read about how vicious we all are...seeing as there was no dog fights and none of the many kids present were torn to shreds...

Anyhow, once again quality shines through, (Ahem!) and I came home with a couple of ribbons; 'Best Intermediate Dog on Parade', and a first place for something else too...I think it was Best Dog in my age category, but I'm not completely sure! (It doesn't say on this ribbon, it just says 1st place.)

Oh yes, I won Barkiest Dog too! My mate took the lead for the day, Both of the Bosses were watching and chatting.

Draft Code for the Welfare of Dogs

Did you know that there is a new code of welfare drafted recently covering the minimum requirements for a dogs well being?

You can have a copy of it e-mailed to you from:

animalwelfare@maf.govt.nz

It looks like a fairly sensible document, although the Boss had a couple of things to say about it. You have until the end of October to make any comments or submissions to the authors...so not very long.

This is a copy of what the Boss had to say to them...

Comments on
PUBLIC DRAFT Animal Welfare (Dogs) Code of Welfare
17 September 2007

Please find my submissions interspersed through quoted text.
Pg 14
3.1
… Recommended Best Practice
(a) Before acquiring a dog, intending dog owners should seek independent advice from experts (such as breeders,…)

Breeders cannot be counted upon as entirely independent or impartial, they have a financial interest in you taking the dog. Obviously some breeders are far more reputable than others, and I believe that this is another area that requires close scrutiny and guidelines.

Pg 20
5.1
…
General Information
Tethering can contribute to aggression. Ensure that tethers are long enough to allow dogs to reach the ground in the event that they climb over fences or other objects to which they are tied and risk hanging themselves.

How aggressive will it be after jumping such a fence…stuck on a severely restricted tether on
the wrong side of a boundary? If a dog is to be tethered near a fence (that has public access on the other side), then not being able to get to a (scalable height) fence should perhaps be
a minimum requirement? Even the best natured dog would be unstable in such a
predicament.

Pg 39
8.12. 3
…
General Information
Tail injury in many breeds has traditionally been prevented by tail docking according to breed
standards and practical requirements. Tails can be injured in the home and while dogs are
working. Tail injury can be painful and debilitating and will necessarily resolve itself

Pardon? Is that a typo?

Pg 40
9 Behaviour.
…
Recommended Best Practice
(a) Dogs should be appropriately trained and managed so that they can be kept under safe
control by their owners or carers.
(b) Puppies should be properly socialised to minimise the development of behavioural
problems. Care should be taken to ensure that socialisation is appropriate to the circumstances in which the individual dog will be kept as an adult (eg dogs likely to come into contact with livestock should be socialised accordingly).
…

(d) Dogs should be trained or taken to reputable training classes from the age of 16 weeks to
encourage them to learn basic commands.

Along with poor understanding of dogs behavioural traits, (particularly among younger children) a lack of socialisation and training is the underlying cause in many, if not most of the dog bite statistics we gather in New Zealand.

These instances, by their (graphically portrayed) nature, negatively impact on the welfare and freedoms of all dogs in our community. It puts at risk the ability to vigorously exercise dogs in open areas, as councils are pressured into bylaws restricting dogs from beaches and parks. It puts at risk the foundation on which companion dogs are regarded in society, that as “(Wo)mans best friend”

Our laws clearly state that it is an offence to own any dog that is aggressive or out of control, as an obvious protection to society. Yet we have no requirement that compels owners to train such behaviour out of their dog from day one, which is an obvious protection for the animal.

As mentioned earlier in the proposed Code, taking a puppy is taking a responsibility for the well being of the animal throughout its life. A dog that is unsure of its self and what is expected of it is at far greater risk of road injury, aggression from other dogs, and a myriad of environmental threats. Any owner of such a dog has reneged on their commitment to raise the dog in a responsible manner.

As such, these ‘best practice’ points, in particular ‘a’ and ‘b’, ought to be a Minimum Requirement. Failure to comply with any of these is detrimental to not only the individual dogs wellbeing, but also the place of all dogs in society. Schemes such as the NZKC Canine Good Citizen could quickly be adopted as a required standard, with emphasis placed firmly on rewarding owners through allowing approved animals to areas otherwise off limits, reduced licensing costs etc. (positive reinforcement for training the owners!)

The training costs involved for the owners are very modest, requiring time and commitment more than money. This is time that prospective dog owners have implicitly agreed to spend already. Councils would benefit by having Kennel Club accredited assessors actively testing all young dogs in the community at little extra cost to the public purse. Very much a user pays system. I imagine this would lead quickly to a huge saving in the real social cost of problem dogs.

Personally, I believe we should go further still, and insist that prospective owners get at least one WoF check on their property and ability to provide the stability and training any dog requires. A further temperament and training progress test at 8 – 12 months would also quickly identify potentially inappropriate handlers or dogs before they became a significant risk to either themselves or society.

Regards
Warren Bradley
Lake Hawea

Home invasion...

Good grief.

ALL the dogs from training now come to my house on Sundays...Nobody asked ME about that!!? And that Jack had better WATCH OUT if he thinks I didn't see him sliming up to MY Boss on MY back porch!

The Boss didn't even stick around. He went off for a mtorcycle ride, leaving me with my Mate and the Other Boss.

It would be ok if I got some 'seniority'...I wish.

Mind you, we've stirred up some interest in the Canine Good Citizen scheme, there's something like 16 dogs that have said they'd like to train in the exercises, some here in Wanaka and a number in Alexandra...(Gary Wulffs classes)

And I've got a head start on the lot of 'em!

We didn't go up too the next obedience competition. It snowed 50 cmts on that weekend, and the Other Boss wanted to go skiing.

This next weekend coming is the Southern Cross SBT ribbon and fun day in Chch, and I'm really hoping we can get up there for it...

Sleeping dogs...

Tara came for another sleepover this weekend.

She takes up a LOT of my beanbag.

A LOT!

Trials and Tribulations...

The Boss says I let myself down this weekend at our first competition...well I did warn him...if you don't put in some extra effort, nor will I!

We entered 2 obedience classes, the Maiden and Special Beginners. We didn't get any pictures of the Maiden...this is the Special Class.

What we had to do is (Maiden) HEEL on leash, with a few left/right/about turn, automatic sits every time we stopped.

Then we had to SIT/STAY while the Boss walked away 10 paces, then COME and sit in front, then HEEL around to the proper left hand side. All of that was fine, and I did it pretty well. Then we had to go back into the ring with all the other dogs, and SIT/STAY in a line while all the Bosses walked away 10 paces.

This is where it went a bit pear shaped! First off a big Labrador got up and came over to me for a sniff...fantastic, we had a nice doggy time, which encouraged a couple of other dogs to do the same...but apparently it's not allowed. So once the exercise was over the Judge said that we could have another go without the Labrador. This time, nobody came up to sniff me, so I guessed it was my turn and went to say Hi to another dog... But it can't have been the right thing to do after all because the Boss seemed a bit upset!

Anyway, I got Third out of about ten dogs, so I can't have been THAT bad Boss?!

The Special beginners was similar, except we had to HEEL both on and off lead, and also SIT/STAY for one minute, and DOWN/STAY for two.

I think we should just say that my STAY wasn't all it usually is, and I think I upset the Boss of the (cuuute) spaniel next to me when I went to be social with her dog. You can see us all lining up here ready to begin the exercise in this second photo.

I don't know what all the Bosses are looking at, but if they expect us to pay close attention to them all the time, perhaps they might show us the same courtesy!

On the whole though, a fun day. I would have liked a go at some of the Agility exercises, but we NEED TO TRAIN LEADING UP TO THE EVENT FIRST...don't we Boss!!

There is another competition in a couple of weeks, and we'll go up for another attempt. The Boss reckons I would have won the Maiden class with a good STAY, so maybe I'll do it next time!

Feeling guilty...

I copped some grief for not posting for a while...only because there's not much going on! Training is quiet...just a few of us each week. Garry says that's pretty normal in winter.

On a more exciting note, I'm off to Christchurch this Friday to compete in my first Agility and Obedience trials!!! I'm a bit worried because The Boss hasn't done any extra training to help me practice.

Watch this space...

Oh yes...only 5 months or so until I get a SISTER to play with! Although apparently she'll be my niece.

Pardon..?

Mountain Dog...

This is me up Mt Iron the other day...the Bosses and I went up. Great walk, but I wasn't allowed to go and sniff much.

Hmm. Something about coming back when called the Boss said.

What?

Ribbons...

I'm going to compete in my first obedience and agility trials in September. We're going to travel up to Chch. for a ribbon day, which are a slightly less serious version of championship shows...a perfect starting place.

The Boss says we'll enter into the 'special beginners' class, which is one up from the beginners, but as the exercises are all ones that I can do well already we'll have a crack at the harder level.

Also, we're starting to learn a new game at training...the 'retrieve'. It's a bit like FETCH, but instead of chasing the toy and bringing it back, I have to go and find my toy among a whole lot of other dogs toys put into a circle. Actually it's pretty easy.

AND, I can attempt the next level of my Canine Good Citizen in late October...a step closer to that Gold award.

Busy times ahead!!

Not the first...

Oh yes, The Boss had an e-mail from Sandra (my Mum's Boss) to say that actually I wasn't the first Stafford to get a CGC award in the South Island.

She took one of my relations (not sure which one) to the CGC Silver standard a few years ago.

The Boss thought that the CGC scheme was new, but it's been resurrected from a few years ago. So I was the first SI Stafford in the NEW scheme.

I'm gonna be the first to get the Gold standard though, just you watch!!!

A ray of hope..?

The Boss was talking to the NZ Kennel Club yesterday, about establishing an 'official' dog club here in Wanaka. The subject turned to the current govt. proposals to ban certain breeds of dog...like ME for instance.

It appears that they (NZKC) are fundamentally opposed to the banning of ANY breed type, and are formulating strategies to publicly say so. They have also approached the MP's and outlined their opposition.

The gentleman that the Boss spoke with suggested that we don't get all grumpy in the media about their irresponsible attitude to the facts, as that nearly always leads to further mis-representation of the truth...so tempting as it is we have restrained ourselves! (Although the Other Boss did go into the local radio station and set them straight after a particularly thoughtless on air comment yesterday...way to go!!)

Oh NO...

This is a letter written by the Boss to all the Stafford owners in the Club. I think it says all that needs to be said. A dog could just cry.


The Last Staffordshires in NZ.

Hello Stafford people.

Are you enjoying the last Stafford you will ever have? Are you making the most of your games of fetch on the beach or in the park, before you are required to permanently muzzle and leash your dog in public? Seriously, the political writing is on the wall. We are heading into a general election, and the latest attack on a toddler in a Chch. park is providing our politicians the platform they crave in the public eye, and despite the facts, our dogs are being singled out again in the media as culprits.

Don't just sit there, DO SOMETHING! e-mail the reporters (who always sign their scribblings) and ask how the breed was identified? In the recent Chch attack, the Press reporter told me that the "Dog was identified by a member of the public and the police... they were actually pretty vague but hopefully the Council dog control would verify this." BUT, when the Council was asked the same question, the response was (and this would be almost funny if it wasn't so serious) "What usually happens is we get a best guess from the witnesses, and we put that in the records with a question mark by it." Despite this appalling lack of commitment to the truth, the dog is publicly named as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross.

If the media and council officers knew that they would be questioned by several hundred people every time they report fallacies like this, they might at least check their facts prior to publishing.

What have YOU done to protect the breed against this trial by media? Do you know which Govt. Minister is responsible for dog legislation in NZ? (Hon Nanaia Mahuta, Associate Minister Internal Affairs: nmahuta@ministers.govt.nz ) Have you written or e-mailed her and expressed your opinion? Did you know that the Hon. Peter Dunne: unitedfuture@parliament.govt.nz is drafting a private members bill to ban all "pit-bull types" in NZ, which he assures me WILL include Staffords, and he will likely get the numbers he needs to push this bill through the house. A perfect opportunity for a minor party to make a major headline or two. Have you stirred up your dog owning friends with other breeds, pointing out that the 'Banned' list will keep growing, just like it has overseas, and their German Shepherd/Rottweiller/Bouvier/Mastiff/Schnauzer will be targeted once all the Bull Terriers are gone and kids are STILL being attacked.

You, as owners, are guardians and ambassadors for the breed in our country. If you do nothing , and leave it up to a vocal few, then you've failed in your responsibility to stand up for your friends like they would for you, and helped deny our kids the right to grow up with this "most suitable for family" breed...

These politicians are serious, committed and in a position to take your dog out of society. Make them aware that you don't agree, tell them why, and KEEP TELLING THEM...

Please.

Yay, they're all gone...

That's better, town's calmed down a bit, and the parks and beaches are dog friendly again.

Those kids must be all getting locked in their day kennels again. Good.

Training was a bit ho-hum, not many of us, and a couple of new guys. One boss spent most of the session chasing down his fox terrier that decided RUN was much better than COME...

Fuuunny!!

My mate's back from holiday, and he was on the end of the lead this week. Quite often I don't work as hard for him...and wasn't heeling all that well during weaving I admit, (New dogs to meet you see) but the boss was watching and he got all high handed and made me do it properly.

He was holding Tara, who came for another sleepover, and she wasn't doing so hot either, but he didn't grump at HER...

Today was good though, the Other Boss took me for a walk up Mt. Iron...which is a BIG WALK let me tell you.

That fire & bean bag are looking mighty inviting.

It's official...

On a brighter note, I received my Canine Good Citizen certificate in the mail on Friday...very flash.

I need a kennel so that I have a wall to hang it on...

Boss.....

I hate School Holidays...

School holidays mean that my Mate usually disappears for a few weeks to one of his Grandparents, and the town is FULL of people.

On the beaches.
In the parks.
Everywhere.

And of course the Boss is working from midday to midnight...

So no mate, no fun, no at home training time...

NO FAIR!

I made my point at training yesterday. After not being very good the week before at DOWN on recall...and having had NO PRACTICE AT ALL since...I did it poorly again.

He'd better get the hint this week.

Hrmmph.

The winter rush...

You might have noticed my posts are getting a bit more spaced out...that's because it's WINTER, and that means we don't go out and do as much fun stuff, and it's also the time when the restaurant is at its busiest, and so the Boss has limited time for other things...

He assures me that sitting up until 3.00am every morning this week watching the Americas Cup has NOTHING to do with it...

Sleeping over...

My friend Tara came to training today. And she's staying the night. She's a 12 yr old boxer. A bit set in her ways but we get on great...

...I bounce at her and she woofs at me. Heaps of fun.

We had a fairly small training group, with one new labrador puppy, who was pretty good. And two other strange dogs as well who were tied up and watching...and barking a lot too.

I got to PLAY FETCH...and even show off a bit with my toy and the games we play...but I sort of blew it with the DOWN on recall. That'll teach the boss to spend the week hiding from the weather.

Mind you, it wasn't all snow on the ground today...which was nice.

On your mat...

We were watching a program on telly, Downsize your Pet.

Some people have no IDEA ! Anyway, it lead to the Boss deciding on a new thing for us to learn...

We take my sheepskin (Actually it's my mates from when he was a puppy human) with us in the car, and when we go to work he puts it down and tells me "Jake...on your MAT" and I have to stay there. He doesn't seem to mind if I SIT or DOWN, as long as I STAY.

Sometimes I get a TREAT for it !

Apparently Zac was really good at MAT.

Give a dog a break huh...

You'd think that with snow deep on the ground...and having sat up 'til 3.oo am watching the All Blacks play South Africa, the Boss would have given me the morning off training today eh...

You'd THINK!

There's something irresistably smelly about snow, I don't know what it is, but it's very distracting stuff. The Boss got a bit cross when I was sniffing and not right at HEEL when we were doing weave between the dogs, and made me go back on leash.

At least he cleared away some snow so I didn't have to DOWN/STAY in it.

Not often anyway.

Bring back SUMMER !

Short legs...

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrhh!!!

You try being belly deep in THAT stuff.

The Boss knows how cold it is...I jumped into bed with him after my morning sniff outside...

Hahaha!

Hurry up & light the fire.

Brrr.

Training lineage...

The Boss does another kind of training himself...(called wing chun...and it looks even more boring to me than SIT/STAY!), and said it was important to acknowledge those whose methods and systems are employed...especially once you begin to make progress.

So, with a CGC cert. under my collar, I should say thanks to Malcolm Downey, ex RAF handler now based in Auckland. It was him who taught my Boss how to speak dog properly and showed him what is possible for a well trained dog to do, (without suppressing our essential dogginess). Both of the Bosses and Malcolm spent about three years working with a group of dogs, and it's that experience which shaped my training.

Also, Gary Wulff here in Wanaka runs basic obedience courses which we have attended most weeks since I was about 2 yrs old...so about 3 months. These have been really great for teaching me how to behave around other dogs...some of the CGC exercises would have been much more challenging without that experience.

So thanks guys...very appreciated!

Citizen Jake...

I am now officially a Canine Good Citizen.

There was 11 of us attempting the test, and 7 of us passed. Most of it was pretty straight forward. It was COLD and RAINING though, which was a pity, but the organisers were really good (especially as it was their first time too) and we got through it in pretty quick time.

What we had to do:

• Be wearing an up to date registration tag.
• Be well groomed.
• Be carrying a poo bag.

• Allow the evaluator to groom my coat, look at my ears, and pick up my front paws to be examined. (I still don't like being brushed, especially when I'm cold...but the Boss said I had to put up with it just for the exercise)
• Allow the Boss to look at my teeth and down my throat (which I still don't like!) and run his hands all over me.

• The Boss had to answer 8 questions on responsible ownership of a me...(6/8 was the pass rate but he got 8/8...smarty!)

• Show good food manners...ie SIT/STAY until allowed to eat, and not beg when the evaluator had a biscuit in front of me. (Boring old dry wine biscuit...like I'm gonna beg for that!)

• Accept a friendly stranger walking up and giving me a pat.

• Sit quietly while the Boss had a chat with another stranger with a dog. (That was tough because the friendly strangers dog really liked ME!)

• Walk through a gate to fetch a bag without getting in the Bosses way or pulling the leash.

• SIT/STAY while the boss went about 5 mts away, then COME back to the Boss.

• HEEL on leash.

• HEEL on leash past a trio of noisy people with their dogs, and a jogger.

• Be tied to a stake without complaining while the Boss was out of sight for 5 minutes.

• Allow a stranger to take me for a walk without the Boss present. (I'd have to point out here that the stranger was NOT handling me well. I was on the wrong side, and allowed to be at the end of the leash rather than told to HEEL...the Boss was a bit disappointed with that!)

• Play with my tug-toy, then release it on command. (I didn't see this myself, but apparently someone failed this test because their dog was GROWLING while playing TUG. ..SO WAS I! That's what you do when you play tug...it's not vicious or anything, just part of the GAME!! If that's all they failed on, ie they let go when told, I'd be asking for another opinion!)

And that was it. Sounds like a lot, but it really only took about 15 minutes per dog, and there were a few good chuckles to be had while waiting my turn for each exercise.

The Boss was really stoked that we got a special mention at the presentation afterwards, it turns out that we were the only ones that didn't belong to an official training club, and hadn't been through a specific training program leading up to the test. We've been invited to represent the Selwyn Dog Training Club here in Wanaka until the Boss gets a local Club incorporated.

The Boss is also hoping to attend an assessors course to enable him to conduct tests here for other people.

That was all on Saturday. On Sunday, we went and watched some Dog Agility trials. Boy, I thought I was pretty fast and good at jumping, but some of these dogs were AWESOME. The Boss reckons we're going to give it a go, but I've got some training to do first I can tell you!

We were also told that my level of training should be enough to begin obedience trialing, so we'll be looking into that as well.

All in all, a good result!!

One more sleep...

We're off in the morning to do my Canine Good Citizen assessment.

I hope the Boss has been reading up on his bits, I know I'll do my part.

I also hope it's warmer in Chch. than it is here! It's alright for those shaggy dog types...

The Real Criminals Don't Have Four Legs...

Nicely written I thought.

Boy it's cold. Minus 4c at the moment.

Brrr.

Piggy in the middle...

We did two training sessions today, first in Wanaka, and then in Arrowtown.

The first one was ok...usual easy stuff. The Arrowtown one had a couple of surprises. As soon as I walked into the field, I was met by a PIG! Followed in quick succession by a GOAT!

Just when I'd come to terms with that, and took my place in the line with all the other dogs, when 2 giant HORSES came strolling over and stood in the line when we were doing WEAVE.

Honestly, where's a dog supposed to look with all that going on?

Mind-you, I was there to be a show off, and show off I did.

Those newbies are pretty easy to impress!

Less than a week now until we go to Chch.

Continuing the theme...

You know I might have to re-visit my opinion about Shutzhund being boring after all...here's my predecessor Zac at training, doing what I would never dare...though boy some people really could use it!!..like people who don't register /train/devote themselves to their dogs. Or people who have no knowledge of dogs but regularly shout out their ignorance in the media...

Anyhow, this was Zac learning the personal protection aspects of Shutzhund, at which he excelled. Not only because he could bite/hold better than all the Dobermans, Rottweilers and German Shepherds that he trained with, but because his willingness to please the Boss was heaps better.

He would let go with a word from any distance and just guard the guy in funny pyjamas...unless he tried to run away again...then WHAMMO!!

And boy, you did NOT mess with the Boss or his family when Zac was on duty...

My mate tells me that he was also an awesome frisbee catcher!

I reckon I would've liked playing with Zac.

not chase RABBITS?..

We were reading the other day not to allow dogs to chase small prey, because it raises the predatory instinct. The Boss has 'opinions' on that.
(Actually the Boss has opinions about most things, but as I like this opinion...)

My Bosses best mate before me was called Zac, and they used to train in a thing called Shutzhund, which the boss won't discuss with me…

(what’s THAT about ? )

This is a picture of Zac at training with the Other Boss...(I learned that you don't refer to her as 'the Bosses Bitch' but I still don't get it!)

The guy in the funny pyjamas is another dogs boss.

Looks more like the usual SIT STAY training to me.

Yawn.

Anyway, he thinks that for me to do WHAT he says, WHEN he says it, no matter the circumstances, I sometimes have to train while I'm really excited or stressed...(and I don't really get stressed...just a bit p'd off when humans can't make their MINDS UP!)

What he does with me is let me chase after rabbits in a big open field... and when I'm really onto a scent or maybe see a rabbit and take off at full speed...he makes me DOWN, and STAY until he gives me "the release"...and then off I go...look out rabbits!

Then, on other occasions he lets me get up to 25 mts away and really motoring before making me DOWN, and calling me back to HEEL.

And of course sometimes he just watches me chase them around the bushes and laughs at me...which I don't really like.

I will get one one day mate...and you won’t be getting ANY.

Cunning sod...

He's tricky that Boss of mine.

Yesterday he took me for a big rabbit chasing run...my very favourite thing...and when I was so hot that I had to keep my mouth open to pant, he makes me HEEL & SIT, then makes me OPEN my mouth and looks down my throat, knowing I can't clamp my teeth together when I'm really hot!

I think he's still p'd off with me about Sunday!!

Ha ha!!!

And my friend Scooby left me a comment on Monday... yo Scoob...of COURSE you do fine...you're one of the clever breeds like me!

Sometimes a dogs gotta play ...

It's good to keep the Boss on his toes I reckon, so yesterday I did a runner at training in Queenstown!

I was in a line of new dogs. The Boss said STAY, then walked about 200 mts away...(yes, that's a VERY long way) along with all the other bosses...then called COME.

So me and all the other dogs raced up the field and I won...good fun.

But then they tried to get us to do it again, going back to where we came from. This time though, when the boss said COME, me and another dog decided to have a play half way.

It was fun, until the Boss snuck up on me and GRABBED ME REALLY HARD. That wasn't fun at all. Then he made me SIT DOWN SIT DOWN SIT DOWN COME DOWN SIT COME STAY...Really fast and REALLY grumpy like.

Geez. Other than that one little indiscretion I was (as usual) the best behaved dog there.

Maybe I'll be good for the rest of the week!

Maybe...

Paving the way...

Check it out...another Staffy waving the flag...way to go!

Rain rain GO AWAY!

It's STILL raining. Hope it stops before training tomorrow...

...especially as I have to do three classes...

THREE!!!

Honestly!

It's raining...

Raining raining raining.

Hrrrmph.

...and I'm NOT enjoying open wide very much. The Boss gets a treat, makes me COME and SIT in front, then HEEL and SIT...then he says OPEN and lifts up my lip...then I get the treat...but he grumps if I move from the SIT while eating.

The treats are ok. Sausage today.

Don't really like the lip thing though.

Open wide...

The Boss says I've got to let A STRANGER look down my throat to pass my CGC test.

He reckons that I'll enjoy learning it. That'll make one of us ...

On a more fun note, we're going to go over the hill to the Queenstown training club on Sunday to show them how we do it Wanaka style!

A ray of hope..?

Oh my goodness, can the voice of reason be entering the fray? Found this while surfing about...Click here to read more...Here's hoping New Zealand can get some sanity into the debate also...

The (UK) Kennel Club hosts Dangerous Dog Parliamentary Seminar

24-May-07

‘To protect both the safety of the public and the welfare of dogs’

On the 22^nd May 2007 a ‘Dangerous Dog’ seminar and reception took place at the House of Commons, sponsored by Marsha Singh MP and arranged by the Kennel Club

Yay, a new game...

Dog training day again, but along with the usual easy SIT STAY DOWN stuff, we played a game where everyone comes up and gives me a PAT! (Tell you what though, some of these doggy people really need to learn about how to meet a new dog properly...lots of just reaching up over my head without asking first. Lucky I'm a nice dog!)

The Boss asked if we could play this because it's a Canine Good Citizen requirement...so it's good for me, and also good for the other dogs to STAY while their bosses pat someone else.

Here's how it goes...

I SIT & STAY.

Then the Boss takes my lead off and walks 3 steps away.

Then, one after another, all the other Bosses (about 18 or so) all come up and pat me, while their dogs have to stay in line with the class.

To start with I was doing my "so happy to meet you" bounce and funny snorty thing that I like to do...but the Boss didn't like that for some reason??!

So he put me back on the lead and then PULLED IT REALLY HARD when I moved from sit. So after a couple more people I decided that sit and STAY was probably a good idea.

Let's face it, that's a small exchange for 18 pats in a row!!!

It's funny how...

Isn't it funny how these Boy Racers can cause untold tragedy and annoyance to the population, yet Helen Clark says that the "laws we have are perfectly adequate..." and just need enforcing.

No mention of banning these stupid souped up cars that injure how many innocents each year...and at what social cost..?

...but every time there's a dog bite it's "society has no need for those kind of dogs..."

Err hello...does that seem hypocritical to anyone else?

Wait up ya mongrols...

The Boss and my mate...thinking they're funny.

Lunatic behaviour...

Ok, apologies for not posting recently...Internet access from the farm is dodgy at best!

Anyway, my week did get better. This is my new friend Luna. I don't know what they feed her but boy I wish I could get some...she's HUGE!

We had a great time doing mad laps of the house and stuff. She can run fast, and I have to take three steps for each of hers...but that's ok, she can't turn tight corners like I can...although she doesn't even notice when I do my favourite "leap up and shoulder barge" trick...in fact I'm the one who bounces off HER and falls over...gonna have to work on my technique obviously.

There are about 5 other dogs on the farm, but I wasn't allowed to play with them, apparently they take things a bit too seriously, and don't like playing fun games with new friends...their loss I say!

We got home again yesterday, so I'm allowed inside again, and back to sleeping in my right and proper place on the Bosses bed. He was making noises about me not doing that anymore...which is fine, I just won't do it any less!

I'm booked in to do my Canine Good Citizen test on the 16th of June in Christchurch, so that's ANOTHER big drive in the car coming up.

From the Farm...

Holidays are NOT all they're made out to be...! it's day three, and so far I've spent 10 hours in the car to get here, not been allowed in the house, GROWLED AT by this big bitch who thinks she owns the place, (just 'cause her boss does)...and had to sleep in the CAR each night instead of my rightful place on the Bosses bed.

Oh yes, I got taken for a 1 hour walk yesterday.

Through the paddocks with all the animals...walking at heel...lucky me!

If this is a holiday then I'm a cat!!

Next time I'm gonna see if the vet will look after me instead of coming.

I said DOWN...

This is the beginners class...again.

My mate took me in this one, then the Boss took over for the advanced class.

Looks calm doesn't it...3 seconds later I was the only dog still in place...

and I'm NOT in the wrong spot...nobody else did what they were told immediately like I did.

Honestly....How hard is it to DOWN and STAY?

That's four HOURS of being good..well mostly good...and no FETCH or anything. I just wish some of those other dogs would do what they were supposed to a bit quicker and then we might get to play some new games.

Hrmmph.

Anyway...two sleeps and we're off to the farm...

By the way, click on the picture and look at those STUPID b. sheep in the background...don't they KNOW I'm a vicious killer!!! Boy they're lucky I'd had breakfast.

Yawn...

Honestly, 6 HOURS I've spent at work today... if someone didn't have to closely guard this heater from harm I'd go and complain to someone...

Join the Club...

I'm now a member of the

Southern Cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier Society...

and about to become a a member of the NZ Kennel Club,

and taking my Canine Good Citizen test in the near future.

Phew!

Ah...and we're going to the FARM next week...that's why we had those vaccinations... that makes them well worth it!

I wonder if they still have that fence that bit me?

Oh...that's what they meant...

OK, I know what vac-see-nations are now.

Lucky for the vet I don't believe my own press....and that she had some liver treats afterwards...

Ouch!!!...and YUK too, she squirted something cold and smelly up my nose.

(Which was a LOT nicer than the big worming pill the Boss shoved down my throat yesterday. Like I'd fall for the old 'pill wrapped in cheese' routine a second time. That's puppy stuff.)

I stood on the scales too, and I'm 22 kgs. That's big for a one of me...
So look out!

Please!!!

From Marj Kibby's Choose and Raise a Puppy blog,
10 pieces of advice from Greg Derrett, the great UK agility trainer:

1. Get the dog you want.
2. Give it a short sharp name.
3. Study basic learning theory.
4. Teach [the dog] to play, including .tug.
5. Become more rewarding to the
dog than the environment or the
equipment.
6. Develop a solid wait with strict criteria.
7. Have consistent release commands.
8. Teach directional commands -- left, right, go on.
9. Practice circle work.
10. Have a regular fitness routine.

Surely they'll save me one piece...?

Things I can do with my dumbell...

The Boss can throw the toy and I will:

...FETCH
Or he throws the toy and I...
SIT (or DOWN or STAND)/STAY/FETCH

On the return leg from FETCH I can:

...DOWN (or SIT...not very good at STAND from a distance yet) and then return with the toy.
or, I can leave the toy at the DOWN position and return to HEEL, and then FETCH.

Another one is the Boss puts me on a STAY, then puts the toy 10 mts. in front of me, and then goes another 10 mts away himself, and I'll run straight past the toy to HEEL, then go back and FETCH.

I REALLY like Fetch!

I really like playing TUG as well...it's my best and favourite game...but the Boss won't play that with me much at the moment because of all the stupid newspapers.

Finally...we're getting somewhere...

Obedience training was almost FUN today.

Still a lot if Come, Down, Heel, Come...usual human indecisiveness... But then we (briefly) got to play FETCH. Maybe I'll perservere for another couple of weeks...the Boss might finally be getting it...

That big Benson who looks just like the dogs that beat me up was much better behaved today, and I wasn't sitting by him either!

Man loses finger in pitbull attack...

Scan the headline and it sounds like another 'vicious pitbull' rampage eh. Read the article, (term used very loosely) and the guy gets bitten while MOVING A BADLY INJURED DOG.

Like duh...of course it was gonna bite him if it was INJURED and IN PAIN.

The tragedy here is that the dog has been hidden away from vetinary help...gee I wonder if all the bad press has anything to do with that!

Newspapers. A dog would almost think they had it in for him recently...

Why me??

Now, not only does my mate play Fetch every Sunday with a big fun ball, (calling it Soccer just so I can't play) ...he's begun playing another, even more fun game on Saturdays... and he gets to play with a big STICK and chase a ball...calling it Hockey...just so I can't play.

Hrmmph!!!

Onions...I should have guessed...

Apparently we dogs are allergic to onions. I can believe it too. I still think the boss is lying about chocolate though.

Education is key...

A community approach to reducing dog bites, I'm gonna get the boss to forward this to our local council.

R I P

Three dogs have paid the price for two peoples stupidity. They should be ashamed of themselves. They should both be banned from dog ownership.

Were the 'pitbulls' really going to bite the kids? Maybe. We don't know.

Of course they ripped the foxy to bits...it rushed in and ATTACKED THEM. That's what the witnesses say.

Apparently the kids were running away.

DON'T RUN AWAY FROM A RUSHING DOG.

Ok, that's it now. No more.

RIP Dogs.

Last time, I promise...till next time!

"I don't think it's wise for anyone to have pitbulls. They're killers, they only know one thing.

"But the little Jack Russells like George, they're harmless."

Really? like I said, tell that to our cats.

Here we go again...

A feisty Jack Russell terrier has given his life to save five children from a mauling by two savage pitbulls.

Listen to the tone of the reporting here, one dog is 'feisty' because it rushes in to attack a perceived threat, while the other dogs are 'savage'.

All the dogs involved were doing what they believed was the right thing.

That's all we dogs ever do. Our perception of what's necessary is shaped by the environment we live in. I'm sorry to say that the two "savage" dogs here will need to be destroyed for something that is NOT THEIR FAULT.

Just ask my cats about "feisty Jack Russell terriers." A type of dog bred to CHASE and KILL small animals. How come it was able to race to the defence of those kids?

Don't tell me it was off its leash in a public place!?

Am I to assume that the local council will be prosecuting its boss also, it did after all rush in to attack another dog, whatever the odds against it were.

We don't count the odds.

The wee dog was a hero you say. Rubbish. He was being a dog. We're brave and loyal and protect the ones we love. That's why you humans keep us around.

Repeat after me:
DANGEROUS DOG = DANGEROUS OWNER.

So let's stop talking about breed, and focus on deed.

PLEASE!!!

My Dad's a Royal!

This is my Dad.

Aus. Ch. Belleden Golden Prince (Imp-Aust).

Handsome or What!!


(if you know who should be credited for the image, please let my boss know here)

Does this mean I'm a PRINCE TOO?

From here on I shall answer only to "Your Majesty".

Oh yes, things are going to be different around here now I know about my Dad!

BSL article by Diane Blackman

The link to read this article in entirety...

Conclusion:

Breed specific legislation is not a practicable approach to regulation of dogs. Breed specific regulations may alleviate the anxieties of those who are particularly concerned about the reputation of particular dog breeds. Breed specific regulation is very controversial and difficult to administer. It requires training of enforcement personnel in the identification of those breeds and in distinguishing those breeds from others. It might not be possible to enforce such ordinances against mixed breed dogs that had only some of the physical characteristics of the named breed. Breed specific regulation is usually intended to avoid specific types of behavior believed to predominate in the breed. Whether aggression or other behaviors are so predictable in certain breeds as to justify separate treatment of the breed is a hotly debated topic.

Available statistical evidence is poor and, therefore, readily subject to manipulation to support the desired point of view. Opponents of breed specific legislation will point out that such regulation fails to adequately address the problem (aggressive dogs). They are also likely to argue that it treats unfairly owners of the specified breeds when the individual animal does not exhibit the feared characteristics. Proponents are likely to present statistical or testimonial evidence and argue that it supports treating certain breeds according to group characteristics even if it excludes individual dogs not exhibiting the undesirable behavior.

A more direct approach is to regulate the behavior. This has the advantage of wider acceptance and clearer standards resulting in easier administration. Legislation focusing on inappropriate and prohibited dog behavior is readily supportable legally, and creates fewer evidentiary problems. It also more directly addresses the concerns intended to be addressed by breed specific legislation.

Sourced from:

http://www.dogplay.com/Articles/MyArticles/pitbull.html

Just call me Sir Jake...

I always knew I was special...and today I caught a look at my registration papers while the boss was reading something about my vac-see-nations...I swear they just invent difficult words to confuse me sometimes. Anyway, turns out that my Mum & Dad were both national champions, and same with all my Grandparents too! A dog does his best to be modest, but quality will shine through.

The Boss said we're goin' to the vets today which is GREAT. I love the vets. They always make a big fuss of me and give me a pigs ear to chew on!

Kids, PLEASE read...

Something I really worry about is the way you guys just rush up and pat my head. Watching my mates soccer game yesterday, there must have been 5 or 6 little kids just race up to me without any warning and give me a pat.

I know I'm adorable. I understand why you want to get close and I like it. BUT NOT ALL DOGS ARE AS NICE AS ME, and not all dogs want to be patted by people they don't know.

Usually all it takes with those types is an introduction from their boss first and then they love a pat... BUT NOT ON TOP OF THE HEAD...we dogs don't really like that until we know you.

So please...

ASK THE DOGS BOSS BEFORE YOU COME NEAR.

NO BOSS, NO PATTING.

KEEP YOUR FACE AWAY FROM OURS.

LOOK AT OUR CHESTS, NOT OUR EYES.

LET US SNIFF THE BACK OF YOUR FIST...

..then scratch our CHEEKS and UNDER our ears first.

(We don't like it when people we don't know reach over our heads in case they're gonna grab us or something.)

This way less of you will get bitten by dogs who think they have no choice, and I might not have to spend my life in a muzzle.

Sunday, bloody Sunday...

I'm not sure about Sundays. Sundays are Obedience Training club. Sometimes that's ok, and sometimes people just can't make up their minds about what they want a dog to do. It's "Jake, SIT. Jake DOWN. Jake HEEL..." and so on, for a couple of very trying hours.

My boss knows I can do all this stuff perfectly. I always do. I'm the best dog there I reckon. So then today, instead of showing me something new and interesting to do, I get to go to the NEW ENTRANTS class instead of my normal advanced...while the boss goes off and has coffee, leaving me and my mate to mix with the puppies.

And then, after that, my mate gets to run around in a big field for ages with all his friends (he calls it a 'soccer game' but I know fetch when I see it) while I have to sit quietly on a leash and watch. Fair go I can see why some dogs bite their bosses.

My Mate...

This is my mate with me in the park. He's a pretty good sort, and is really into ball sports and stuff. He's 12 now, but this was about a year ago.

Someone told me that makes us about the same age, which makes sense, cause we like doing the same kind of stuff.

We especially like going down the lake and rescuing stones. I Really worry about them, and stick my whole head in to get them out.

I wonder if the Prime Minister has thought about that with her stupid muzzle idea...

So what makes me a Dangerous Dog...?

Well apparently it's because of the way I LOOK. It's my appearance that defines me, not my behaviour. So because I'm strong and well proportioned, and despite an impeccable pedigree, excellent manners, & no history of violence, I'm to be categorised the same as all those troublemaking stray dogs and cross-breeds around the place.

People, they're so inconsistent sometimes.

BSL. Breed Specific Legislation...or Bloody Stupid Lawmaking?

Because the newspaper says I'm a dangerous breed of dog, the Prime Minister has said that I should have to WEAR A MUZZLE whenever I'm out in public...and get this, even when you come to my house for a visit. I had the boss send her an e-mail asking how I'm supposed to carry a stick on the beach, or chase my tennis ball in the park when I've got this cage around my head. But it seems that she (the RH H Clarke) doesn't think that's particularly important.

The boss says that by extending the BSL muzzling argument we'll be handcuffing all members of a certain NZ ethnic minority next whenever THEY'RE out in public, allowing as they make up some excessive percent of our prison population, they tend to be big and strong, and statistics can show that they're more likely to commit crime than the boss is...

He's pretty darn worked up about this whole BSL debate... a good thing I guess, allowing that the government is considering ethnic cleansing against me and my kin!

I'm a bit worried about some of those OTHER dogs that walk around our place though... some of them are really much bigger than me, and grumpy too...I got a right hiding from a couple of labradors recently...luckily their boss turned up and dragged them off me.

And get this...because labradors aren't named as a 'dangerous breed', they won't be affected by this BSL thing at all, and next time they want to beat me up I might be wearing a muzzle and won't even be able to defend myself until help arrives...What's a dog supposed to do??

From the dining room...

I'm just seeing how to make posts from my other home...the restaurant my boss owns. I have to spend AGES here sometimes...but there there are compensations...like when they need help cleaning up the floor after a busy night. I'm really good at getting things out of the corners.

I don't ever go into the kitchen...I tried that...Once.

I just learned I'm supposed to be vicious...

Hello world, welcome to my diary. The names Mess, Jake the Mess. For some reason people think that's funny.

My boss says that because I'm one of those 'vicious' breeds of dog (which must be true 'cause it's in all the newspapers at the moment) I should get out there in the public eye and show my worth as a member of polite doggy society.

I just turned 2. Not quite grown up yet, but not a puppy any more. This was me when I was a really little pup...about 6 months old. Too cute for words eh!

I'm a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Apparently that is supposed to make me some sort of killer breed or something. ...but really I don't know...I've never met someone I didn't like, in fact I'm told I like people too much, and need to just "calm down a bit" ...not sure about THAT!

We live in Lake Hawea, New Zealand. I'm not allowed to say where exactly, because would you believe it, people might try and STEAL ME!!