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CONTENT 20 let’s talk
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20 let’s talk INTERVIEW
danielle campbell campbell clan bostons
Let’s Talk Bostons 2016 - The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of the services of products within those advertisments. The information contained in this online and print magazine is for general information purpose only. The information is provided by us and our collaborators, and while every efford is made to provide information which is both current and correct, we make no representations on warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliavility, suitability or availability with respect to the online magazine or the information, products, services or related graphics contained within the online magazine for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will Let’s Talk Bostons be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loos or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising for loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this online and print magazine.
34 let’s talk SHOWING
eukanuba national dog show boston terriers judging - 2015
44 let’s talk POINT OF VIEW
one question, many breeders. WHAT IS YOUR POINT OF VIEW?
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5 THINGS I WISH YOU KNEW BEFORE EUTHANIZING
by Kelsey Beth Carpenter
66 let’s talk TRAINING
Positive reinforcement training by anna denisova
let’s talk
INTRODUCTIONS Welcome to the TENTH edition of Let’s Talk Bostons magazine! Let’s Talk Bostons is your number one international Boston Terrier print and online magazine, where we celebrate all things Boston. Sit back, relax and enjoy the edition that we’ve prepared.
Our interview this edition is with Danielle Campbell, of Campbell Clan Boston Terriers. Here, you will see a great talk that we had with her in which we covered some of her past, present, and Boston Terrier preferences, as well as her views regarding some Boston Terrier hot topics! Pamela Preston got us a great article about what to do when you are getting ready to euthanize one of your Bostons. Anna Denisova writes about training, more specifically about positive reinforcement and it is a great basis for any kind of dog training. And we have a coverage for Eukanuba as well as our always so popular “Point of View” section, which this time around covers our breed standard.
if you are an online subscriber, you will also get a notice whenever we release a new edition and also will be able to participate in different drawings and giveaways! So make sure you are subscribed to our online mailing list and that you have LIKED our Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/LetsTalkBostons for the latest announcements and news regarding our publication. You will also find great local show coverage on our fan page, which is not to be missed! Our upcoming issue will be the PRE NATIONAL SPECIALTY, and also post Westminster and NY Metro Specialties. Don’t forget to reserve your ad space with us writing to ads@LetsTalkBostons.com See you all in New York, and let’s talk Bostons!
Whether online or on the go, make sure you get your hands on our magazine to browse. Simply go to www.LetsTalkBostons.com and read this or any of our back issues on your computer or tablet. We also offer limited hard copies, available to be ordered straight from our website, or by emailing us at info@letstalkbostons.com -
Fernanda Barlow, Matthew Dover, Vivianne Mello Let’s Talk Bostons Team
LET’S TALK BOSTONS Creative Director Vivianne Mello info@LetsTalkBostons.com
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Collaborators Anna Denisova Kelsey Beth Carpenter Lori Hunt Pamela Preston
Photography Cecilia Zuccherato Fernanda Barlow The Dog Sport Photographers
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LET’S TALK advertisers AUSTRALIA NORQUAY, Deby (Zareba) ................... Cover, 2, 3 CORBET, Amy .................................. Cover, 2, 3 CZECH REPUBLIC DANEK, Petr .......................................... 54, 55 KOSINA, Petr (Baloonek) .......................... 54, 55 POHORALA, Martina (Tokelau) ..................... 16, 17 FINLAND BASSAR, Johanna (Shandita) ........................ 62 CORENIUS, Päivi (Ingefals) .......................... 63 GERMANY MUNCH Corina
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UNITED STATES ALLEMAN,Patricia (Talavera) .....................7,14,15 ALLEN, Jamie ......................................... 42, 43 ARANTES, Giovanna (Caramuru) ..................... 74 AYER, Sandra (Ayer of Magic) ..................... 30, 31 BARLOW, Fernanda (Caramuru) ........... 74-77 CAMPBELL, Danielle (Campbell Clan) ......... 26, 27 CHRISTMAN, Janet (DVS) ........................... 12, 13 CLEARY, Katie (Kandee) .......................... 10, 11 CORMIER, Elizabeth ................................ 18, 19
FALTERMAN, Emily (Element) ........................... 7 FERRERO, Dolores (Delphi) .......................... 8, 9 FISHER, Lauren (M & M Bostons) ................ 50, 51 GRIZLO, Barbara (tara) ........................... 40, 41 KENNEDY, S&V (Kennedys) 18, 19, 36, 37, 42, 43, 50 LUCK, Matthew ....................................... 28, 29 MACK, Maryanne (Sidestreet) ................. 60, 61 MELLO, Vivianne (caramuru) ...................... 75, 77 MULLER, Michael (Mirabelle) .................... 64, 65 PRESTON, Pamela (Chrimaso) ................... 52, 53 POW, Terence ............................................ 12, 13 QUALLS, Nikki .............................................. 49 REAVES, Linda (Bama’s Hurricane Creek) ........ 48, 49 ROBERTS, Suzanne ...................... BACK COVER RETTICK, Bert (Barcomm) .......................... 46, 47 SCOTT, Dennie .................................... 10, 11 STAHMER, Marie ..................................... 50, 51 STARR, Tina (Ivylane) .................... 36, 37, 42, 43 STEWART, Jeanne (Pressingham Farm) ......... 12, 13 TELDESCHI, Lori ..................................... 46, 47 TERRY, Diana (Touch of Magic) ................... 72, 73 WALTHAL, Wanda .......................................... 49 ZIBEL, Stacie ................................. 36, 37, 40, 41 BREED CLUBS Boston Terrier Club of Connecticut ................. 57 Minuteman Boston Terrier Club ..................... 57
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INTERVIEW
Interview with Danielle Campbell Campbell Clan Bostons, USA We had a great chat with Danielle Campbell of Campbell Clan Boston Terriers. From preferences, to her history in the breed and everything in between, we have covered everything that you have always wanted to know about this great lady behind one of the most successful kennel names in America right now. 20 - LetsTalkBostons.com
Did you have a mentor when you started out? What was the most valuable lesson you learned from you mentor? Yes, my mother, Laurel Dalire, known to many as “Lollie”, brought our first Boston home in 1989. Her line is “Paniola”, which means “cowgirl” in Hawaiian. My mother taught me that honesty was the best policy when it came to improving any breed. She didn’t believe in breeder “omerta”, and has always told me that, “There are a lot of nice dogs in someone’s backyard, and as long as you have health as your foundation, you can go anywhere with a breed”... I completely agree with her. I also had a lot of great support from many long time breeders- Ann Mccammon (miss her), Ann Sunday, and of course Jill Ritchey. Quoting Jill Ritchey, “Breed the best you can and place the best you produce, that way your dogs can be recognised all over the world; proudly shown by other breeders”. I must say that’s the best advice she’s ever given me. I also want to thank Sierra Gold Boston Terrier Club for their support. Many members are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to our breed. Pamela Preston can answer any question you have, and if she doesn’t know the answer she will find it come hell or high water. That is one thing I admire about her.
Which Boston has made the biggest impression on you since you started in the breed? I will ALWAYS have the same answer for this- my babydog, Dylan. Also known as Multi BISS GR CH Sunwoods Lamburgini, ROM. Even though I’ve had a lot of Bostons in my life, and owe a lot of credit to many lines, this dog is as I tell people, “The poo”. He is the epitome of what the breed should be, he has it all- Health, structure, movement, and an amazing temperament. They broke the mold when they made him! I am beyond thankful to his breeder, Jill Ritchey, and all of the people whom supported her when she started as well! I feel all of us breeders of today need to thank all of the breeders from the past.
Tell us a little about the breed scene from back when you started out. Did you see a difference in quality? I remember going to shows with my Mom when I was younger and seeing dogs that had very little bone. They were tiny, under 12 pounds. Some of them looked like pin heads. Mind you I was like 10 or 11 years old, so out of the mouths of babes.
What made you choose Bostons? I stuck with them because they are the ultimate companion dog. They’re very versatile breed - extremely smart, extremely loving, and when bred right, not hyper at all.
Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Danielle Campbell
a lot of old time breeders are afraid to give new people a chance. If you had to start over, what would be your focus and what lines would you look after? Wow! That is a hard one, as there are so many wonderful show lines out there. I think I’d try to get something from Maxine Uzoff, Wendy Ogren, or something from Danita Gilmour. I’m a stickler for health so that would be huge. No offence to any other breeders out there. Just those dogs stand out the most in my mind right now, probably because I stalk their Facebook pages.
Do you consider that the bostons coming from the bloodlines you had when you had as foundation to your breeding program would still be competitive in the ring today? No. I think the dogs I originally started with had too much bone. I didn’t like their expressions either. Health was stellar, and top lines were amazing, but conformation wise they needed improvement. It is interesting to see the trends that come and go with our breed. BENTLEY AND DYLAN
What difficulties did you have when you were first starting to put together your breeding program? No one wanted to help. I think a lot of old time breeders are very afraid to give new people a chance. They’ve spent their entire lives improving what they have and are afraid that someone will ruin all that. I actually have someone who has not fulfilled her contract. She’s blocked me on Facebook and I have no idea where my male is today. I just hope he’s safe and in a loving family environment.
DERBY
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Many people say our breed is a head breed. Do you believe that more focus should have been given in the standard to other aspects? No. I believe there are certain aspects of our dogs that get overlooked. Head and expression are huge, but if you have no body to carry that big ol’ noggin then what do you have? I think our dogs need to be balanced, from nose to tail.
GOODY
Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Danielle Campbell
What dog from all times do you think that have made the most impact in our breed in a positive way? There is no easy answer to this question. However, I am beyond happy for our current status of our breed right now. I just read that Vinny has hit BIS #41! That is amazing. I know it takes a village, and there are many dogs that have helped pave the way for his current accomplishments. However, I am so very proud of him and I’m not even his breeder! Great job Team Vinny!
Which dogs bred by you are closer to your ideal type? Ch. Campbell Clan’s Collaterral Damage “Puddin” and BISS Ch Campbell Clan’s Jack Of All Trades. Funny thing is they are full litter mates from separate breedings.
TRIGGER
What positive or negative changes have you seen in the breed in the last decade? Positive changes definitely have to do with more health testing being done and more breeders registering their results with OFA. Negative changes are probably the drop in numbers for our breed at the shows.
What is the first dog you remember having that you felt truly represented the standard and why? Well Dylan of course. However, if I chose a CC dog I would have to choose my Puddin. She’s a very balanced bitch. A Dylan great grand daughter on her dam’s side, and a Dylan granddaughter on her sire’s side. LEGACY
If you had a chance to suggest something to be changed in our standard, what would it be?
i think our dogs need to be balanced, from nose to tail.
I think it just needs to be rewritten. I went to Ken Roux’s presentation on the breed at the 2011 National. He did an amazing job explaining our standard. Even my 10 year old son could read that pamphlet and understand what it was saying. I may not agree with some of the head pictures used as the “ideal” representation, but overall it was a good description.
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Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Danielle Campbell
Would you use a dog in your breeding program that has outstanding virtues, but that possesses on major fault? I think that would depend on the fault.
How do you choose a stud dog to your bitches? When planning a breeding, do you place more importance in type or in pedigree? I look at both. I do a lot of line breeding and am always afraid to get too close. We’ve had success with 1/2 sibling breedings, or grand sire to grand daughter, but that is as close as I will go. Then the get that results from those breedings always get outcrossed.
Compared to other breeds, Boston Terriers aren’t classically group winners, and a Best in Show for a Boston is not that common. Why do you think that is? We don’t have as much consistency in our breed as other breeds so. People breed more for their preferences, rather then what is written in the standard. (Another reason it should be updated) I think that confuses judges when they see several different types in the ring. However, there is no perfect dog and in my experience breeding is a crap shoot. You can have two beautiful champions that produce awful stuff and then have two pets and produce BIS winning stuff. I think at times genetics like to give a us a run for our money.
For you, what importance is it for a Boston Terrier to have a clean coat free of ticking? It’s huge. I want to breed Boston Terriers not Dalmatians.
What is the most dificult characteristic to get rid of when breeding a Boston? A bad topline.
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ZAK
What is your process to evaliate a puppy for its show potential? I use Pat Hasting’s method. I also have other breeders go over my kids at exactly 8 weeks old. However, the pup I choose at delivery is usually the pup I end up keeping.
What difficulties did you have when you were first starting our to put together your breeding program? Biggest problem for me has been the dishonesty of some breeders I have dealt with. I need honesty in order to make an educated decision regarding my breeding program. If a stud owned is reluctant to give me the bad news along with the good news about her dog/line, then I am simply playing Russian roulette.
In your years of breeding, what have been your favorite litter so far?
If you could recreate a clone of just one of your dogs in the past, who would it be and why?
I really have loved every litter that I have produced. I truly have not had a favorite litter, just favoured certain pups based on temperament.
I miss my Turtle. She was my foundation bitch.
What is a trait you would like to improve upon in your current breeding program? I need a rounder eye. Some of my dogs have it, but it is something we are still trying to add.
Do you believe that overbreeding a dog could have a negative impact in the future of the breed? Yes, I think it makes the gene pool a bit smaller.
What is a fault that you feel is difficult to correct or get rid of when breeding? Temperament wise: Aggression. I refuse to breed dogs with aggression issues. Structure wise: Almond eyes. That trait is dominant and has proven difficult to get rid of.
Do you believe health testing should be enforced by the club or encouraged by felow breeders? I think that a little bit of both. There is no future for our breed if breeders only produce sick dogs. Health should be the foundation of every breeding program. Period! Each and every one of my dogs has clearances for BAER, Caer, Cardiac, Patella, Spine, Trachea, JC DNA, and if they are old enough, Hips and Thyroid. I personally would not spend the money on dog shows if my dogs were sick or produced unhealthy dogs. What would be the point. I mean, I might as well just take my money and light it on fire.
What has been the biggest honor or achievement in your breeding life so far? Having a dog I owe win the BTCA National specialty, then have his son, a dog I bred, go on and win the Canadian National last year. QUENCH
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SHOWING
Eukanuba National Championship 2015 December 2015 - Orlando, Florida - USA Judged by Mr. Chad Howard (Chaseland Bostons - USA) Pictures courtesy of The Dog Sport Photographers
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Best of Breed GCH CH Sabe’s Simply Invincible
By GCH CH Candar’s Fame Monster - CH Sabe’s Simply Scrumptious BREEDER: Sharon Saberton OWNER: Joe & Carla Sanchez & Sharon Saberton
Best of Winners & Winners Bitch Ken’s Lil Krotch Kritter Best of Opposite Sex GCH CH Gunther’s Gussied Up Edna Select Dog GCH CH Weywood’s Fortune Knocks Select Bitch GCH CH Ken’s Always Gets The Last Laugh Winners Dog Martini’s Kick Back Jack Awards of Excellence GCH CH T-Bo’s Porcelain Doll CGC GCH CH Naughty Norteno’s Clik Clik Bang CH Taylwagons Put A Cork In It GCH CH Martini’s Jameson Nightcap GCH CH Kc’s Rolling And A Strolling Best Bred By in Breed GCH CH Gunther’s Gussied Up Edna Best Veteran in Breed GCH CH T-Bo’s Porcelain Doll CGC
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POINT OF VIEW
If you had a chance to suggest something to be changed in our standard, what would it be? I would suggest that we tighten up our weight standard. Set a range for Dogs and a separate range for Bitches. Then we would all be breeding to a size standard verses our personal preferences. Lauren O’Donnell Fisher M & M Bostons - Woodstock, Illinois
My suggestion is one simple change in the structure of two phrases that are separated by a period in the description of Color and Markings. I would like it to read: “Disqualify: Any color not described in the standard, and solid black, solid brindle, and solid seal without required white markings.” The most important idea of the disqualifying markings should be first in the sentence that is the many other colors that are purposely being bred. There should be no doubt in the minds of anyone, especially judges, that these colors should be excused from the ring. As it is stated in the standard now, it is almost like an afterthought, and of less importance than the solid colors. I believe that our standard must be perfectly clear on color/markings descriptions because those who breed off-colors are growing in numbers and will be a continuing threat to our standard, as it has been for the past century. Karen Carroll Bravo - San Diego, California There should be a size DQ like they do in French Bulldogs, and a better explanation of too much white. Emily Perez Element Bostons - Caseyville, Illinois the color clarification to be clear like it used to be. Susan Krouse S-K’ - scotts valley, CA 44 - LetsTalkBostons.com
PICTURE BY: Cecilia Zuccherato
That’s a question that really makes me pause to consider the impact. I’d like an actual weight limit listed that isn’t attached to a class description. I’d also like to see ear cropping be disallowed. I don’t personally feel that we need to cosmetically alter our dogs any longer. Of course, I’ve seen some great crops but I’d still prefer a small natural and naturally erect ear. Angie McFarland Grandview Farm - Ashburnham, Massachusetts
My biggest pet peeve is when some breeders and even some judges have said to me, “it’s a head breed” the boston doesn’t have to be able to move. So if I could change one thing it would emphasize that a Boston can’t walk on their head. You truly can have pretty typey heads and movement to. If you don’t have correct structure and soundness there is nothing to support our beautiful heads. Debi Huml Astra - Columbus, Ohio “Size, Proportion, Substance Weight is divided by classes as follows: Under 15 pounds; 15 pounds and under 20 pounds; 20 pounds and not to exceed 25 pounds.” I believe this should be more clear. If a dog isn’t to exceed 25 lbs., then that should be a disqualification. Judy Criswell Juwell’s - Nunn, Colorado #1 - no cropping ears #2 - the colors should be explained better Karen Harvey Sacramento, California
There are too many words that are left up to too much interpretation. But maybe it needs to be that way for the sake of the breed. I see too many dogs that I really wonder how they finished their championships. The only other thing I see is, since there is no mention of the lower end of the weight scale, begs the question, How small is too small? I’ve seen fully grown Bostons that weighed 8 pounds, and were as pretty as anything, just TINY!! I just don’t know if that needs to be ‘fixed’, or not. Jeff Welsh Mar-Crest - Exton, Pennsylvania I could say that looking at an old book of the breed, this breed is getting smaller in height. You go to shows and you see small males and small females winning. If you stop in time, those small dogs back in the days they wouldn’t win just because of their height. FCI influences people in my point of view in regards to cropping ears. In my opinion if someone is cropping ears, it could be because someone is trying to hide something. Carlos A. Ortiz BC’s - Las Piedras, Puerto Rico
What about you? Do you have any tips or questions that you would like to see here? e-mail us your suggestion: info@letstalkbostons.com
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DETAILS
5 Things I Wish You Knew Before Euthanizing by Kelsey Beth Carpenter - Special thanks to Pamela Preston
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usually write my own articles, but every once in a while, I will come across an article that touches me or I feel would greatly benefit others. In this case, I read this article on a blog and had never read anything quite like it before, but it was like light bulb suddenly went off and I knew I needed to share it. If you have not yet had to euthanize your dog or other pet, you likely will at some point in your life. I, too, wish I’d known a couple of these things before it was time to put my babies down. I hope this article helps you should you ever need to make the decision to let your pet go. - Pamela. Euthanasia. The word itself makes all our stomachs drop. It is a gift to pets and a curse to owners - having the power to decide is something we are not comfortable with. However, when going through the euthanasia process with your own pets, you are in a position to make numerous decisions that can change the course of the overall process. As a Veterinary Technician, I witness euthanasias on a daily basis. Let me share from personal experience the 5 things I wish every pet owner knew.
1. It’s ok to cry
People apologize to me all the time for crying over their pets. Whether it’s time to say goodbye, or you are simply having a hard time watching us draw blood on your dog, I wish you knew that I GET IT. Many of us who work in animal medicine (myself very much included) are totally neurotic, hypersensitive, and obsessive when it comes to our own pets. I may seem calm and collected while working with your cat, but that’s because it’s my job and I can’t afford to be any other way if I’m going to be good at it. You best believe that the second my dog so much as sneezes, I go into a total state of panic, lose all common sense, and forget everything I learned in tech school. So, when you are crying over the pet that you have loved for years, I assure you, I have nothing but respect for you. I respect how much you care. I respect your ability to make such difficult decisions. I respect your bravery. And please know that no matter how demonstrative you may be with your emotions, you are still keeping it together more than I would be in your shoes.
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2. Be there, if you can
I am lucky to work in a hospital where the vast majority of pet owners stay with their pets for the euthanasia process. However, this is not always the case. I urge you to stay with your pets, if you can, for multiple reasons. First, for my sake. One of the absolute most difficult things I do as a Veterinary Technician is take on the role of comforting and loving a pet as they pass on when their human is not there to do so. It is an incredible weight to try to act on your behalf, and it is emotionally exhausting in a way that I cannot even begin to describe. When you stay with your fur baby, I can focus on my own job, instead of doing both of ours. Second, for your pet’s sake. The vet can be a very scary place for animals - they don’t understand what all these noises and smells are, or why these strangers are poking and prodding them. Do you want them to experience that fear alone? And have it be their very last memory? Your pet doesn’t know what we are doing or why - they only know that you are there, that you said it’s ok, that you love them. I remember being a child, and how scary going to the doctor was, but how much more confident I felt with my mom there reassuring me. I imagine that is exactly how pets feel. If you can find the strength to be there, please do so. Please let your love, your touch, your presence be the last thing your pet experiences.
3. Keep the collar on
One of the saddest things I witness during the euthanasia process is when humans take their pet’s collar off when they
sun with their cat right before coming in to the hospital. This is going to be one of the hardest days of your life, but it doesn’t have to be for your pet. I promise that the more you celebrate your pet’s life, no matter how long or short, the easier it will be to continue to live your own once this is all said and done. It is ok to cry in front of your pet, to tell them how much you will miss them, to let them see you be absolutely beside yourself. I’m sure your pet has seen you at your worst before - I know mine has. But remember to celebrate, no matter how miserable you are. I promise it will make it easier for both you and your pet. What’s more, It will allow you to reflect on the euthanasia experience with positivity - you will remember that you celebrated and you will feel good about having done so.
5. Prepare
are still very much awake. To many pets, taking their collar off can have negative associations. For example, I know my own dog panics when I remove her collar as she knows it’s bath time! I want your pet to be as comfortable as possible, and that means not making any major changes immediately prior to euthanizing. Pets are much smarter than we give them credit for, and they pick up on the smallest of cues. The unknown is scary to your pet, so even if they don’t know what the cues mean, the idea that something is new and strange and out of the ordinary is enough to cause them some sense of anxiety. So, keep the collar on until your pet has passed. Let them go in the state that they always were.
4. Make it a celebration
Bring treats. Tell stories. Laugh and cry at the same time. Surround yourselves with all his/her favorite toys and beds and blankets. It’s ok to cry, and it’s also ok to celebrate! I love when people tell me they took their dog to the beach or napped in the
I want this moment to be entirely about you and your pet. In order for that to be the case, several things must happen. First, you must understand the euthanasia process. If possible, talk to your Vet or Tech prior to coming into the hospital, or prior to starting the process - ask them to walk you through the steps of euthanasia so that you know exactly what to expect. Ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel comfortable with the process (or at least, as comfortable as you can be). Know what you’re walking into, so that your focus can be entirely on your pet. Second, take care of business ahead of time when possible. Sign any required paperwork. Pay the bill. Decide on after care. Even go so far as to prepare you next meal ahead of time, arrange a ride, rent a movie, invite friends over - whatever you think might help you cope when you return home from the hospital without your pet. The less you have to deal with during and after euthanasia, the better. I want you to be able to focus entirely on your pet during the euthanasia, and then entirely on yourself afterwards. Let’s do whatever we can to make that possible. Every euthanasia is different. Some are planned, some are sudden. Some may happen in your home, some in the hospital. Regardless, they are difficult - to prepare for, to cope with, to experience. I hope these 5 things will help you to plan ahead and to make the process as beautiful as it can be for both you and your pet. Kelsey Beth is a Registered Veterinary Technician, singer/songwriter, and creator of the series “Things Heard at an Animal Hospital”. For more information about Kelsey, or to read more on her blog, visit http://kelseybethcarpenter.blogspot.com. © 2015 – Shared with permission.
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TRAINING
Positive Reinforcement Training for Show and the Couch by Anna Denisova CTC - Adapted from The Frenchie Fancy - issue 1
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believe most modern dog-lovers have heard at least once about Positive Reinforcement. In this article, we will talk about Positive Reinforcement Training and how to introduce it into our kennel and show dog training routines. As the Great Maestro of Animal Training Bob Bailey says, “Training is simple, but not easy”. The aim of this series of articles is to help owners, breeders and handlers to develop the necessary skills to train their dogs in a fast & efficient way while having fun doing it.
Why Positive Reinforcement works The answer is actually really simple. Postitive reinforcement works because we all do things more willingly if we like doing them. Using positive reinforcement, we teach our dogs to like the things we want them to do. This can be accomplished by associating things of high value for dogs with highly desired behaviors. Make every training session a game, fun for both the trainer and trainee (guess who is who?). In the process we also enrich the quality of the interaction with our dogs. This is especially important for people owning several dogs with busy schedules, as having quality time should be a priority if the personal time for every dog in a breeding program is limited. Behavior Modification is complex; it’s difficult to describe everything in one or even many articles. But let us start with the essentials. Let’s begin with effective dog reinforcement and a simple training technique called “Classic Conditioning”. These two things will help you make your dog understand what he does is appreciated and brings good things to his life.
As soon as you finish reading this article, you will be able to teach your dog to love his crate, his show lead, grooming table, and even feel better in the confusion and noise of a show. Not a bad start, huh?
Reinforcement: good things delivered by human to the dog. Positive Reinforcement (R+): good things delivered by human to the dog in exchange of the desired behavior, which will tend to happen more often. But what if it doesn’t work? I am sure most of you have been in a situation when the very same treats that your dog loves at home are not even looked at when you’re at the show... Or that nice drive that your sweetheart had in the morning vanishes when judge is around to choose the number one. When we talk about reinforcement, I particularly like the chair example: Imagine your friend calls you. She says that since she knows you are good friends, she’d like you to sit on a chair for 5 straight hours. Would that be okay with you? What if she tells you she’ll pay you $100 for it? What about $1,000? I don’t know about you, but I would consider to sit in that chair for 5 hours every day if she kept the money coming each time!!! This is the meaning of reinforcement value. Every time you reinforce your dog, REMEMBER to offer a $1,000 reward! Of course the money example is only a metaphor, so now we must find out what has high value for YOUR dog. It’s time for our first exercise. First, write down the things that your dog
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every time you reinforce your boston, remember to offer a $1,000 reward!
likes a lot. Don’t limit yourself to only food or toys, but as well as activities (like going for a walk, sleeping on the sofa and so on), and the behaviors (like dog play, barking, digging holes in your garden, and playing “Mr. Humpy”). Write down as many as you can! And underline with red what the best ones are, with green the second best ones, and with blue the undesired and self-rewarding behaviors (like pulling on the leash). When your list is ready, take a look and see if you included water. True, water is really rewarding when one is thirsty! But it’s irrelevant when one is not. This is the second trick. Reinforcers or rewards do not have their power all the time... It’s like when you tell people you are a breeder, some of them are jealous because you “do what you love in your life”, but when you tell them you have to wake up every day at 6 a.m. to let your dogs out, being a breeder doesn’t sound so good anymore. Another thing is the timing of the reward. Reward should be delivered right away. Imagine you finish your dog’s Championship. All your buddies are there at ringside. But no one comes to congratulate you. Then only one year later they write to you: “Hey, congrats on your win last year. I was so happy for you!” See what I mean? Reinforce right away. WHEN you reward is always tightly connected with WHAT you reward. Additionally, behavior can be split into many minibehaviors. It is best to be sure to deliver the reward when the dog is doing something you are looking for. Imagine you train your dog to look at you while stacking and having their ears up. Your dog does all that, but as soon as you lean forward to deliver that yummy piece of hot dog, the attention is lost, the ears are down, and the hot dog is already in their mouth. But what have you reinforced? Reward only desired behaviors. During training sessions, I personally prefer to use food (like roast beef, smoked salmon, string cheese, baby food or anything my dogs do not have regular or free access to) or games like tugof war, wrestling or chasing. Instead in our daily routine, I prefer to turn everything my dog wants into rewards. For example, the golden rule in our home is “If one of the dogs wants something, he or she must free-stack (stand still and looking into my eyes)”. If I see anyone around stacking, I know it’s a good moment to let them know that I love this behavior, so GOOD THINGS ARE COMING!!!! Every time yourdog behaves in the desired way, REINFORCE! At least with your voice or a game… The more often you reward your dog for being good, the more your dog will reward you with good behavior. This is POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT!
The last point for this article, but not the least, is a simple training technique called Classical Conditioning or CC. It’s very simple. It’s based on association of stimulus (S) to consequence (C). Here are some examples: If you take the leash in your hand (S), it’s time for your dog to take a walk (C). If you take their food bowl in your hands (S), it’s time for a meal (C), and so on. By using Classical Conditioning you can teach your dog to associate their show lead, grooming table, or their crate with rewards. This means that the dog will learn to like all of those things a lot. Your dog will learn that these objects, while not normally relevant to a dog’s life, in your dog’s life mean good things are coming! The only secret is to reward with a high value reinforcement every single time and repeat the exercise several times a day, every day. Make those 1-2 minute games your daily ritual, something really nice and pleasant that the two of you do together. If things don’t go perfectly right away, don’t worry! Be positive with yourself! Training is a skill, the more you practice, the better you’ll be! See you next issue, Anna Denisova
About the Author: Anna Denisova, CTC, is a pet and show dog trainer and counselor. She started her career with dogs as a show-dog handler and had a practical experience working with various breeds of dogs. She graduated with honors fro, prestigious Jean Donaldson San Francisco SPCA Dog Trainers Academy (USA) and successfully completed Operant Conditioning Workshops with world famous animal trainer Bob Bailey, also known as “a teacher of teachers” (Sweden). Anna continues her dog training education working virtually with Susan Garrett and SAY YES Dog Training (Canada). Apart from training dogs, Anna owns the French Bulldog Kennel Hellzapoppin. All of Hellzapoppin Frenchies are exclusively owner-trained and shown in conformation in Italy and abroad. Anna lives with her family and dogs in Italy.
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