The Waterlog June 2004

MAY 2004

the Waterlog OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PORTUGUESE WATER DOG CLUB OF CANADA

CERF CE RF Cl Clini Clinic, inic, c, Gr Groo Grooming oomi ming ng an and d Well We Wellness llness ness Se Semi Seminars, minar nars, s, May May 16 The new Board

Training and Behaviour

2004 3rd PWDCC National Specialty / all the details Pupography

Sniffing across the Country Water Trials in Canada Top Conformation Dogs of 2003 Upcoming Events Corpulent Canines Strange but True

Cover: Donna Gottdenker grooming Bear, Louise Rossen, his owner looking on.

Design: © 2004 Roslyn Eskind Associates LImited

Clockwise from top right: Louise Rossen with her Bear “before”; Donna Gottdenker “after”; our presenters in holistic practices Dr. Cynthia Harcourt; performance stress Pat Prevost; listening intently, Jill Goldschmidt background; Donna Gottdenker’s puppy people from left Ursula Martin, Cathy Kleiser, her daughter Becki and John Martin; the puppies gamboling, Christine Kalika busy noting Donna’s grooming tips, Janice and Lisa Starr background

www.pwdcc.org PWDCC Waterlog

ThePresident’sLetter Greetings, Mark your calendars… In less than 2 months the 3rd PWDCC National Specialty will be held in Calgary Alberta. Exciting times!

This is a chance for every member to participate. There are sponsorships to sell, donations to collect for the silent auction, items to find to stuff in the registration bags, etc. the list is endless. Contact names are listed on the website and on page 4. You do not have to be in Alberta. Even the raffle tickets are available on line.

And, the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada is the FIRST foreign affiliation club recognized by the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. What this means is that we are authorized to hold water trials and enthusiasts can qualify for their water trial titles here in Canada. Thank you to the determined group that worked so hard to get the application completed and delivered in time. This group includes Catherine Gadd, Deborah Barcon, Kate Erickson, Lorraine Wilson, Donna Gottdenker and Roslyn Eskind.

I look forward to meeting everyone in Calgary!

On a personal note I wish to thank everyone for their kind words and support after my house fire in March. The dog world is a close-knit group who rises in times of need for their fellow dog lovers. I am over-whelmed with the support from across North America. Thank you all.

Brenda Brown, President Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada May 24, 2004

PWDCC Board of Directors and Officers President and Director

2004

Secretary and Director

Directors

Kate Erickson

Brenda Brown

Mavis McClintock

Manon Bousquet

Toronto, Ontario

Bon Accord, Alberta

Duncan, British Columbia

St-Bonaventure, Québec

kate@pwdcc.org

brenda@pwdcc.org

mavis@pwdcc.org

manon@pwdcc.org

Audrey Hawthorne

Vice President and Director

Treasurer and Director

Sandra A. Busse

Calgary, Alberta

Roslyn Eskind

Lorraine Wilson

Edmonton, Alberta

audrey@pwdcc.org

Toronto, Ontario

Richmond Hill, Ontario

sbusse@pwdcc.org

roslyn@pwdcc.org

lorraine@pwdcc.org

Sharlene Krupp

Janette Daly

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Bowen Island,

sharlene@pwdcc.org

British Columbia jan@pwdcc.org

PWDCC Waterlog www.pwdcc.org

MAY 2004

1

Training your PWD We all know it’s important to train our high energy pups so most of us attend at least one (and sometimes several) courses for socialization and obedience training. But this is not the end – it’s just the beginning.

Whether your dog was at the top or the bottom of their class, there is always more to do to reinforce appropriate canine behaviour.

In fact, some dogs that are stars in class do not obey the same commands on the street or at home.

In this issue, we are reprinting two articles by a professional trainer Suzanne Clothier – good advice about how to communicate better with our PWDs. Connie McCandless, Editor

Teaching Self Control

Remember the dog does not know what his options are. A dog

by Suzanne Clothier

who is lacking self control simply does not know that it is possible to sit quietly in the face of distractions. It is the owner’s

Does your dog pull on lead when someone approaches? when he sees another dog? if joggers run by? if children are playing?

responsibility to show the dog that he has options other than lunging, pulling or leaping around.

if a cat or squirrel dash through the yard? Is he hard to control at the vet’s or groomer’s? when people come into your house?

Move slowly and talk quietly. A dog who is highly excited needs calm, slow handling. A common mistake owners make is to

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, chances are your dog needs to learn self control. Just as children must learn to control their impulses before they can mature into responsible adults, dogs must learn self control before they can become well mannered canine citizens. Self control must be taught, just as you teach him to sit or speak or come when called.

Every owner can teach his dog self control by following these guidelines:

move quickly, grabbing at the leash and collar, raising their voice and speaking in short, sharp tones. From the dog’s point of view, the owner appears as excited as they are, and short sharp tones often sound like barking. Instead of calming the dog, this reinforces his excitement. By moving slowly and talking quietly, the owner sends a clear message to the dog that he is not excited and is in control of the situation.

Remind and ask, don’t demand. A dog who is already excited

Train, don’t restrain. Taking a firm grip on the leash and collar

is likely to resist a harsh correction or respond by becoming

teaches the dog nothing except that you can restrain him.

more excited. “Ask” by using the lightest possible touch on the

Instead, give a simple command, such as sit, reminding with

leash and collar, and remind the dog what he’s doing each

the lead if needed, then loosen the lead so there is no tension

time he forgets and shifts position.

at all. If the dog breaks position, quietly and slowly reposition him, and loosen the lead again.

Ask for compliance, not submission. View working with your

Work on teaching self control in all situations. Begin by working in distraction free areas, and ask your dog to sit on a loose leash for five minutes. Gradually move on to more exciting

dog as you would working with any friend. Avoid creating a

situations, and practice often. Work at home, at friends’ homes,

struggle by asking the dog for more than he can do at the time.

in parks, shopping centers, at dog shows, training classes and

For example, if your dog is really excited, he may be unable or

the veterinarian’s. As your dog’s self control and respect for you

unwilling to lay down, but agreeable to sitting quietly with a

increases, you can add laying down quietly for up to 30 minutes

few reminders from you. Compromise and be reasonable – most

to his skills.

struggles between dog and owner are created when the owner attempts to dominate the dog, instead of finding a solution acceptable to both owner and dog.

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MAY 2004

Copyright 2000 Suzanne Clothier.

All rights reserved. Used by permission. Flying Dog Press – 1-800-7-FLY-DOG www.flyingdogpress.com clothier@telenet.net

www.pwdcc.org PWDCC Waterlog

Green Eggs & Ham and Dog Training?

It is easy to forget that we, just like our dogs, are creatures of

by Suzanne Clothier

habit. And while this is sometimes a good and helpful thing,

For most dog owners, Dr. Seuss’s classic tale Green Eggs & Ham seems an odd place to look for inspiration. But as a Greek mathematician soaking in his tub found out centuries ago, inspiration can be found in the most unlikely places.

Trying to make it perfectly clear that he absolutely hates green eggs and ham, Sam I Am’s friend describes where and how he still would refuse to taste this dish: • in a house • with a mouse • in a box • with a fox • with a goat • on a boat and so on…

Looked at from a slightly different viewpoint, Green Eggs & Ham might also be an accurate reflection of how many dogs view responding to a command. Here’s a little spoof on what a dog might say: I do not always heed commands My dear but often silly man

it can also backfire – especially in a training situation. If we are using our bodies and/or voices in certain habitual ways while giving a command, the dog may depend upon ALL of those clues, even if we are not aware of them.

One simple and fun approach to improve your dog’s response to your commands – no matter what’s going on around him! – is to borrow ideas from Green Eggs & Ham. Ask your dog to sit here and there or everywhere! While you’re in a chair, while you do your hair, at the store or on the shore. For each skill your dog has, try to find new and interesting ways and places for him to practice. Be patient – this may be news to him! Step back as needed to helping and rewarding, and take note of how much your dog may be leaning on in the cues you’ve provided unawares.

Very often, when we think a dog “knows” something, we forget that this knowledge may be very contextual – he only knows it at home or in familiar settings, or when you’re standing in a certain way. Take the time to lay down on some grass, stare up at the clouds, and put your dog through his paces. It’s an eye opener to realize how patterned we are – and thus how patterned our dogs can become. © 2004 All rights reserved Roslyn Eskind

I might not sit if near a goat How could I lay down on a boat?

Perhaps I’d lay down in the house But not if I have seen a mouse Don’t tell me “heel” when I’ve smelled fox Or found the biscuits in the box I’d find it odd to hear words said If you were standing on your head And wonder if “stay” means “do come here” If you said it to me from a chair I cannot always just obey Whatever silly words you say ‘Cause if I’m staring at the cat

Copyright 2000 Suzanne Clothier.

All rights reserved. Used by permission. Flying Dog Press – 1-800-7-FLY-DOG www.flyingdogpress.com clothier@telenet.net

I will not hear you – that is that!

PWDCC Waterlog www.pwdcc.org

MAY 2004

3

2004

PWDCC3

support the club by sponsoring a trophy and ribbon or give a general donation. See the web site for details. rd ième

Your support is critical to the success of this event that our Alberta members are working so hard to make a success.

National Specialty Spécialité nationale Calgary, Alberta

Let’s make the Sponsorship page a sell-out! Please also do what you can to look for corporate sponsors in your doggy and business life.

Audrey Hawthorne and Trudy Graham / General Questions General call for volunteers, hospitality. etc.

The Specialty is approaching fast! The Alberta PWD Club, with the support of our national club, is offering 3 days of CKC Agility, an Obedience Booster and, of course, the Sweeps and Confirmation Shows. This event is part of the largest outdoor dog show in Western Canada, The Alberta Kennel Club’s show with over 25 specialties and boosters available for various breeds.

We need people to help on the day with on-site tasks.

Glenda Covey / Corporate Sponsors This does not have to always be money, merchandise is also great – fillers for the attendee bags, silent auction items, etc. Cindy is also coordinating a raffle for an awesome PWD print donated by Donna Gottdenker. If anyone who can sell a book of raffle tickets, we would really appreciate it. kgcovey@telusplanet.net

http://www.pwdcc.org/specialty, the specialty website, is up and running.You can also access the site from both the Alberta and National websites homepages. The site allows you to register yourself and your dogs online, sponsor a

Cindy Gamache / Registration Anyone want to help stuff and get items for the registration bag? gamache@telusplanet.net

trophy online and also provides information on the show and

Elodie Mathesion / Silent Auction Elodie has some great

Calgary, check it out.

donations so far but she needs help getting other great

We have a unique way that your dogs can participate in the Specialty – even if they can’t be there. Our very talented

items that people can’t wait to bid on. breezesea@syban.net Lorraine Brown and Mindy Selby / Trophies and Ribbons

Lorraine Brown of Vilors Portuguese Water Dogs is creating a

Lorraine is also making some really great centerpieces for

2004 specialty quilt to be auctioned at the banquet. There is

the banquet. lvilors@telusplanet.net

still time to have your dog be a part of the action (and a part of the quilt). Email your precious PWD picture with what you would like on the square all for a great deal of $25 Canadian a square to Lorraine Brown (lvilors@telusplanet.net). Hurry the quilt is filling up quickly! See the web site for more details.

Lana Langley and Tracy Brown / Advertising Want to advertise a special event, recognize a special someone in your home or doggie heaven. tracy.brown@shaw.ca Kathy Butkovic / Public Relations Kathy is organizing our PR and is trying to get our AB Newsletter out, want to

Where to Stay We do not have a “host” hotel but we have blocked off a

help or contribute an article. baywoodpwd@hotmail.com

number of hotel rooms on behalf of the APWDC at:

Mindy Selby / Banquet Mindy has organized a great

Holiday Inn Express University

Barbeque for our banquet. We’ll need volunteers help set

2227 Banff Trail N.W.

up and decorate. Contact our Hospitality crew.

Calgary, Alberta T2M 4L2 Toll free International number: 1-888-276-8666 Tel 403-289-6600 Fax 403-289-6767 email: hie1635@telusplanet.net

www.holiday-inn.com

The rooms are reserved under “Portuguese Water Dogs” This hotel is approximately a 10 minute drive from the show site.

How You Can Help We have now reached the time where we need your support.

If you are going to be there, we can use your help with activities and events. If you can’t make it to the show, you can still

4

MAY 2004

Audrey, Joan Klam, Betty Maclean / Hospitality We need people to help man the hospitality tent, and Welcome party. audrey@pwdcc.org.

I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the hard working committee that has been busy putting the 3rd PWDCC National Specialty together.

Looking forward to showing our Southern and Eastern friends our great Alberta Hospitality.

Audrey Hawthorne

www.pwdcc.org PWDCC Waterlog

P U PO GR APH Y NAME: Name: Samba (new Ch. Kewbeach Dancing up a Storm)

NICKNAME: Sam, Sambi, Sambezi

AGE: 1 year

LEADER

OF MY

PACK:

I am trying, but so far I keep being knocked down to the lowest rung by my human parents, Anne and Tony, and my older “brother” Tango.

EDUCATION: I have taken obedience classes since I was a baby, and am starting agility. I also go to show handling classes to teach me to behave properly in the show ring – boring, but the treats are good!!

LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES:

BATHING

I love to retrieve, especially my pink fabric disk. Mum has tried

I like to be brushed and don’t mind the bathing, but I hate

to replace it with a yellow one – but I can tell the difference!

the dryer – it makes a funny noise.

PET

PEEVE :

The vacuum cleaner – I have to leave the room and hide when

AND GROOMING TOLERANCE :

FAVOURITE

DESTINATION :

Anywhere I can run and catch my disc – also enjoy going to

it comes out.

obedience and agility classes, I love to work and keep busy.

FAVOURITE

NON - CONSUMABLE :

Paper of any kind – toilet, towels, newspapers

TOYS

SPECIAL

A plush black and white ball – don’t try and substitute another

SKILLS :

I love to climb – putting something out of reach on a higher shelf, I see as a challenge to my climbing skills. Bugging my brother continually, so that he eventually relents and plays with me.

BIGGEST CATASTROPHE:

OF

CHOICE:

colour thinking I won’t notice – I will.

MOST

ASHAMED OF :

I have no shame – that word is not in my vocabulary!

WHAT

I WOULD LIKE TO BE WHEN I GROW UP :

I didn’t think it was, but Mum was pretty mad when I gouged

To be a credit to the working heritage of my breed with titles at

the wall in the newly decorated powder room trying to get the

both ends of my name and at least a Bronze Register of Merit –

toilet paper off the roll.

if my brother Tango can get one, I certainly can!

Your pup could be featured on our cover masthead or the

your images (jpegs, tiffs, eps saved at minimum 4"x 6" 150dpi).

Pupography’s page. For the Pupography page use the format

Text can be emailed or sent as a Word attachment to Connie

above and send us a photo. For the cover send a short story and

McCandless, Waterlog Editor at cmccandless@rogers.com. or

colour photo for possible selection. Send us photos (hard copies,

mailed to Connie, 56 Gwendolen Cres., Toronto ON, M2N 2L7.

colour or black & white will be returned), or electronic files of

Call her at 416 221-1966 for additional information.

PWDCC Waterlog www.pwdcc.org

MAY 2004

5

Sniffingacrossthecountry…

Report on the CERF Clinic,

From Ontario

Grooming and Wellness Seminars, May 16

All About Pets Show, International Centre, Toronto April 9-11

The CERF clinic was a brilliant success! 30 dogs were exam-

Once again, the PWDCC had a wonderful booth (thanks to Mike

ined by Dr. Melanie Williams after she spoke on eye disease in

and Cathy Gadd for the use of their booth) at Canada’s largest

dogs and PWDs specifically, the need for regular eye exams

pet showcase event. Our booth was festooned with colour photo-

and the important work of CERF in researching and collecting

graphs of our dogs engaged in their many activities. Dogs and

data on eye health.

Louise Rossen organized and administered drops, keeping a steady stream of dogs in and out of the exam room.

Along with the exams we had 2 presenters; one on a holistic approach to dog care and the other presented stress and performance related topics. Vaccine protocols, the need for vaccines at all and diet were discussed and we were taken through some exercises to control stress. Janice and Lisa Starr, PWD breeders, offered advice on raw diet, their seminars and had their merchandise available. See www.starkennel.com and www.prfordogs.com for more information.

Club merchandise sold briskly and 2 new members joined.

owners were on-hand for one-to-one experiences with the curious public and our handouts were exhausted by the end of

Donna Gottdenker provided a hands-on demonstration on

the last day. Our dogs had a lot of fun showing off their special

grooming, from how to correctly lie your dog down on the table,

PWD personalities and antics not only at the booth, but at the

to line brushing to actually transforming Louise’s Bear from a

twice daily parade of breeds from youngsters such as 4 month

woolly, well, bear to a smartly lion trimmed PWD. Others had

old Pele “Everspring’s Black Pearl” owned by Maggie Gosselin

their dogs up on the tables with Donna offering advice as we

to our seniors like 11 year old Motes. Our dogs showed off their

snipped and clipped away.

Water Work and Obedience style, they’re working dogs after all.

It was such a busy day, we barely had time to have lunch!

Owners and PWD’s did us proud!

A beautiful basket of club and donated merchandise from

Thanks to all who helped man the booth:

Doggie Delights was

Lorraine Wilson, her son Gregory and Hogan

raffled in support

Cathy and Mike Gadd

of the National

Roslyn Eskind, John Brown, Motes, Tikka and Schooner

Specialty and

Maggie Gosselin and Pele

Janice also donated

Louise Rossen, her daughter Katie, Nina and Bear

10% of her sales to

Pat Jordan and Misty

the Specialty.

Donna Gottdenker, Milly, Blossum and Valentino

We had members

Connie McCandless and Kevin, Polo and Tashi

from far and wide,

Jo Rodriguez, her daughter Olivia, Inca and Anise

enjoying a fun and

Ann and Tony Passafiume, Samba

informative day. As usual there wasn’t a growl among the

Herb and Mari Szauerzopf with their daughter Sara and Ruie

assembled dogs, with mature intact males and young pups

Roslyn Eskind, Ontario

all behaving impeccably.

Roslyn Eskind, Ontario

6

MAY 2004

www.pwdcc.org PWDCC Waterlog

From British Columbia A Report on Spring Activities The Vancouver Island show season has begun with the onset of spring, as well as the usual group of spring shows on the mainland. Jan Daly was at the Chillawack and Tyee shows with her Tanaki’s Lets Get Ready (Cricket) and Helm’s Alee Cascadia (Cady). Cricket has a total of 6 points and Cady has 4 so it has been a very good spring for Jan’s girls. The photo is of Cricket with her breeder, Val Little.

The Chillawack shows were “old home week” for PWDCBC and PWDCC members Lorraine Davidson, Jan Daly, Sue Hopkins, Val Little and Mavis McClintock with lots of dog talk and going over of each other’s dogs.

My Can/Am Ch Echobay’s Samador Makin’ Music (Mozart) took three breeds and a group 4th that weekend, so we all went home with points and prizes.

Jan is working on Obedience with her girls and I have started in Agility with my Laura (Ch Samador I Hear Music) and Wendy (4 month old Samador Straight On Till Morning). I have had

Water Trials approved by the PWDCA for Canada!

The Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada announces its first Water Trial under PWDCA rules Join us August 21st/22nd in Huntsville, Ontario A family vacation destination in the heart of Muskoka’s cottage country, (2.5 hours north of Toronto) for a 2-day trial All levels offered, a maximum of 30 dogs/trial

Judge Charles Robinson

three judging assignments and numerous stewarding days this

For more information contact Lorraine Wilson,

spring and have (hopefully) completed my requirements for my

905 884-9020, lorraine@pwdcc.org, or see Events

initial judging application for the last half of the Working Group.

at www.pwdcc.org

Next… the dreaded two days of exams!

We are all looking forward to Calgary and Oregon, a very exciting

Committee: Catherine Gadd, Chairperson , Lorraine Wilson, Secretary , Donna Gottdenker and Roslyn Eskind

summer coming up!

Mavis McClintock

Get started at the Water Camp, June 19th at Royackers Kennel in Ariss ON, near Guelph see the page 9 for more details.

PWDCC Waterlog www.pwdcc.org

MAY 2004

7

Top Conformation dogs of 2003 Dogs in Canada Point System Number of wins

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15

No. dogs def’d

DOG

BB

G1

G2

G3

G4

BIS

Breed

Group

Total

BIS Ch. Armada’s Boatswain Helm’s Alee Ch. Ondulado’s Schooner D’Sonoqua, AgN Ch. Scrimshaw’s Chester Of Lolika Ch.Echobay’s Samador Makin Music Ch. Echobay’s Bear In Mind Ch. Driftwood’s Widgeon O’Galamar Ch. Ondulado’s Hogan, CD, AgN Ch. Navio-Baycliff’s Wave Runner Ch. Moussaillon Chuck The Survivor Ch. Vilors Bobbie Socks Tanaki’s Jethro At Shamanbay Ch. Baywood Feliciana D’alberta Ch. Amada’s Win N Dout Go Parti Driftwood’s Bacchus Dos Seashadow Renewed Hope Ch. Star’s Shayna Madel

5 91 33 26 7 6 23 8 11 2 7 4 16 3 2 11

1 0 2 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 4 3 3 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 6 7 4 1 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0

0 8 2 3 2 0 2 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0

1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

114 224 67 56 32 0 27 36 23 22 9 9 21 5 1 31

684 690 485 474 212 83 136 126 113 107 53 53 28 46 36 0

1571 848 510 509 231 208 160 150 129 118 61 59 49 49 36 31

From Theresa Zorad, Bo’sun’s owner Hello everyone, 2003 was a very good year for one of Canada’s

I would like thank all the clubs responsible for putting on one

Portie sons. Once more the Abbotsford show was extremely

of my favorite shows. Our sincere appreciation to Judge Mrs.

fruitful for Bo’sun, he won Best In Specialty Show, then went

Jane G. Kay and of course, to Bo’sun’s breeders Lana Langley

on to win Best In Show. Bo’sun placed in Group every day

and Joanne Forsythe.

except one, (the Specialty did not end before the Working Group started) by the time the weekend was over he was the number one PWD in Canada. What a wonderful weekend!

From left to right: No. 1 BIS Ch. Armada’s Boatswain Helm’s Alee; No. 2 Ch. Ondulado’s Schooner D’Sonoqua, AgN; No. 3 Ch. Scrimshaw’s Chester Of Lolika 8

MAY 2004

www.pwdcc.org PWDCC Waterlog

UPCOMI NG June 19

Events

Water Work: An Introduction and Practice Come see what our amazing dogs were bred to do, spectacular retrieves and dives. For the beginner, this seminar will focus on Junior and Apprentice levels. You need basic obedience, a retrieve and a dog who likes to swim. Space is limited to 20 dogs/teams, preregistration is required contact Cathy Gadd at 416 690-5977 or gaddabout@hotmail.com. Location is Royacker Kennels in Ariss Ontario (near Guelph)

July 31

3rd PWDCC Specialty at the Alberta Kennel Club Show, Calgary Alberta See page 4 this issue and http://www.pwdcc.org/specialty for more information

Aug 21-22

1st PWDCC/PWDCA Water Trial Check www.pwdcc.org for more information or contact Lorraine Wilson (lorraine@pwdcc.org).

Sept 19

Fun Day and Picnic Fun for the whole family, games, demos and a chance to meet your fellow club members.

Oct. 1-9

PWDCA National Specialty at Salishan Lodge, Gleneden Beach Oregon

Oct 29-31

Judges’ Seminar and PWDCC Booster at the Trillium Kennel Club Show The PWDCC will be hosting an educational seminar for Conformation Judges Saturday October 30th, followed by a PWDCC Booster under Judge Charlotte McGowan on Sunday Oct 31.

Nov

Fall Hike check www.pwdcc.org Events and the Members’ Event Forum for more details.

Cover Pup Meet Everspring Black Pearl (aka Pele after the Brazilian soccer star) Pele’s family thought he’d be joining his human brother Isaac on the soccer pitch but Pele’s headed for the show ring instead. Besides Isaac, Pele’s best friend is his Wheaten Terrier brother Moji. Moji is just one giant stuffed toy to jump on, chew and play with as far as Pele is con-

Waterlog features planned for: Aug.

2004

Nov.

2004

Pets / Report on the 3rd PWDCC Specialty Report on the U.S. National Specialty

Please put together your contributions for these features and other general interest stories about your wonderful PWDs for publication in our next issues. We will give you $5.00 off your next club merchandise purchase for every story used.

cerned but Moji has come to enjoy life with a PWD. Pele is

Your dog, young or old, could be featured on our cover

one of eight pups born in November 2003 to Everspring

masthead or the pupography page, just send a photo and

Travels with Rita and CH Ondulado’s Hogan. Pele was born

short story for possible selection. Send us photos (hard

to be a star and made his show debut in Kitchener this May

copies, colour or black and white will be returned), or

with Hogan’s owner Lorraine

electronic files of your images (jpegs, tiffs, eps saved at

Wilson. He’s very, some might

minimum 150dpi). All emails should be titled ‘Waterlog’.

say too, sociable and likes

Text can be emailed or sent as a Word attachment along

checking out all the other dogs

with photos to Connie McCandless, Waterlog Editor at

hoping some of them will want

cmccandless@rogers.com. or mail to 56 Gwendolen Cres.,

to play. But when it’s show

Toronto ON, M2N 2L7. Call her at 416 221-1966 for

time he’s learning to get down

additional information.

to the business of looking good in his lion clip!

PWDCC Waterlog www.pwdcc.org

MAY 2004

9

Wellness: Corpulent Canines The second in our series of articles about the health of our PWDs. Always feed a high quality premium kibble.

The big problem… 25% of dogs are over-

and down along his skin. You should be

weight. This statistic equates with obesity

able to feel the bumps of his ribs without

Weight loss should be steady. Do not starve

in humans. We are getting fatter and unfor-

pressing in.

your dog and get into the yo-yo diet pattern

tunately so are our dogs.

C. Check the hips, run your hand over your

There is really no excuse for a fat dog. We

dog’s croup. You should be able to feel the

feed our dogs; they are for the most part

bumps of the 2 pelvic bones without press-

totally dependant on us for their nutrition.

ing down.

This does not include those wicked PWDs that steal and counter surf. I must admit that I own two of these. Many a loaf of

Now I am depressed one of my dogs could defiantly lose a few pounds!!

that humans do. There are some ways to help your hungry dog lose weight and still have a full tummy.

The pumpkin diet is an excellent way to cut calories. Reduce dog’s food by 33% and replace it with canned plain pumpkin.

No added spice or sugar!! For example, if

bread has been consumed in a nanosecond

The Causes and Consequences

you feed 3 cups of food reduce it to 2 cups

by my thieving canines.

Causes of obesity generally fall into

and replace that extra cup with 1 cup of

3 categories:

pumpkin. Dogs love it, it has the texture

The Portuguese Water Dog is inclined to

of canned food provides vitamins and

obesity as are many other breeds. It is up

• Inappropriate diet

to us to keep our pets at a healthy weight.

• Genetic predispositions

We decide what and when they should eat.

• Hormonal disorders Green beans also work well. Remember to

If my food was presented to me twice a day nutritious, and calorie controlled, I would have no excuse for the extra pounds that I carry with advancing middle age. If only life were that easy. It is for our dogs, so if your dog has a weight problem read on.

As always if your dog is significantly overweight, get him checked by a vet. There are several medical reasons why a dog could be obese. One note of interest here is that some vets will not tell their clients that the dog is overweight unless they ask; too many

Is my dog overweight? Do this test – you

people take offence and change vets!

may be surprised by the results.

Many people do not know how to determine the correct weight for their dogs. Within a breed there is a variety in height, bone structure, and muscularity. There is really no correct weight for any given breed.

Obesity in dogs as in humans can cause a multitude of major health problems. Fat dogs have far more stress on the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and, of course, joints. can shorten an already too short life.

overweight is to test 3 parts of the body – the neck, the ribs and the hips.

Slimming your Dog Once you have determined that your dog is overweight, how do you get him to lose it?

A. To check the neck, press your thumb and

activity. We all know the answer – why is it

index finger deep into the side of the neck

so difficult to put into practice?

just ahead of the shoulder and pinch them inch, your dog is overweight. (Note, some old dogs may carry excess weight here and be actually thin in other parts.)

tary tracts and will not be able to digest larger pieces of vegetable matter. Do not feed other vegetables and human food without checking for their safety – there are many foods that people eat regularly that are dangerous for dogs.

Scup the exercise, you and your dog will benefit from lovely long walks together.

Much cheaper than joining a gym and lots more fun.

A sobering thought – the greater an animal’s calorie intake the shorter the span of his

Reduce the calories and increase the

together. If your fingers are more than 1/2

puree these. Dogs have very short alimen-

They are also more prone to injury. Obesity

Testing for Correct Weight The best way to determine if your dog is

roughage and helps with hunger pangs.

(I wish I loved pumpkin.)

Look at both the quantity and quality of your dog’s food. Dry food versus raw food is a current hot topic. People who feed raw claim that their dogs do not have the same problem with obesity as dogs fed on dry

life. There is much talk of vitamins, mineral supplements that help to keep our pets healthy, but calorie intake is the single biggest determinant of an animal’s (or person’s) life span. It is a very simple formula, more calories equals fewer years.

Do your dog a favor – losing excess weight will enrich your dog’s life. He will play more, sleep less and become more active.

He will thank you and you will enjoy more years with your best friend.

B. Check the ribs by standing with your

kibble. My own research into feeding habits

dog beside you facing his butt. Place your

indicates that the majority of people feed

Cathy Gadd and her counter-surfing canines Sam and Laila live in Toronto.

thumbs on the middle of his spine halfway

dry food. If you are interested in researching

down his back and spread your fingers

alternative nutrition for dogs, there are

over the last few ribs. Run your fingers up

some excellent articles on the raw food diet on the web.

10

MAY 2004

www.pwdcc.org PWDCC Waterlog

Strange but True This column celebrates unusual PWD behaviour. It’s not what

situation was that if we had to have a member of our family

we’ve trained, it’s not what we expect, it’s what we can’t believe

brought home by the police, at least it was one of the dogs…

our dog is doing. You are encouraged to forward your dog’s antics for future issues.

However, our younger dog has managed to set the bar for mischief even higher, indeed to seemingly unattainable levels.

Seabiscuit’s Sense of Humour

Tiago’s Seabiscuit aka Seabee

I was not sure if I should be flattered or insulted when I was

aka Miss B aka The Biscuit is

asked to write this article, having been told that my dog was

a wonderfully good natured,

the canine embodiment of oddball behaviour. Not that I am

intelligent, energetic dog with

unacquainted with chaos and strange goings-on, residing as I

a robust sense of humour. She

do in an active household with three children, my dear husband

arrived in a household with two

and two Portuguese Water Dogs. In fact, having had three

children, who were soon joined

PWDs over the course of our marriage, Derek and I thought that

by a third, which means that

we had pretty much seen it all in terms of the wonderfully goofy

her training (anti-training?) was

nature of these dogs.

conducted in no small part by the kids.

For example, there was the time that our “Old Man” aka Pisces

I truly think that the kids and The Biscuit regard themselves

Tipsy of Hunter, was returned to us, at the ripe old age of 11,

as part of the same pack, and the two older children find it

in the back of a police cruiser. Two of Toronto’s finest had

highly amusing to train her to do the same things that they do.

discovered him after the cagey canine had escaped from the

For example, there was the time that they set the table for

yard, something he typically sought to achieve on Tuesday

breakfast and I arrived in the kitchen to find The Biscuit calmly

mornings (garbage day). Thanks to the fact that our phone

sitting on a chair eating breakfast cereal from a bowl, albeit

number was embroidered on his collar, they were able through

without benefit of a spoon. She also had a placemat, napkin

careful detective work to determine the location of his house

and small beverage. Of course, from that day onward she has

and return him to us. Derek’s typically positive spin on the

always tried to sit on a chair and we now have to push all the unoccupied chairs in against the table unless we want to see her smiling face joining us for meals.

Indeed, I suspect that readers of The Waterlog will not be surprised to learn that most of The Biscuit’s interesting behaviour has a connection to food. She is an inveterate counter shopper, manages to spring effortlessly in and out of the large garbage bins in the park, and has the habit of arriving unannounced when least expected. On the latter point, I was recently having coffee on a patio with friends after walking our dogs one Saturday morning. All the dogs were tied to the patio railing

Hunters Great Gaddabout CWDX,

and lying quietly beside us when suddenly The Biscuit leapt up

VERSATILITY DOG, OA, OAJ, ADC, FMX, CGC

onto the narrow railing, where she crouched and teetered for a

10 Febuary 1990 – 3rd March 2004 Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty well preserved body. But rather to skid broadside throughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming… Wow what a ride.

This was the life of Kelsey. We miss him…

few precarious seconds like a large, demented squirrel before landing on our table with a crash and helping herself to a bagel.

All this has led me to conclude that there is one item that is absolutely essential if a PWD is part of your household – a sense of humour.

Heather Evans and her “pack” live in Toronto.

Catherine, Michael and Jennifer Gadd, plus housemates Laila and Sam. PWDCC Waterlog www.pwdcc.org

MAY 2004

11

Shopping 1. The Short Sleeve Women’s T-Shirt @ $15.00

5. Clickers @ 3 for $10.00

Embroidered in 3-colour PWDCC logo

or $4.00 each

(double dog) – 2 x 5". Available in

100% French Terry cotton Non-Fiction

Durable PWDCC branded clickers

medium and large. Note, this garment

–Women’s short sleeve, shallow v-neck,

for training.

shirt bottom, with single dog embroidered

is a liner for a jacket, the jacket is available on special order @ $175.00

PWDCC logo 2 x 2.5" at back neck.

Cozy Sweatshirts @ $40.00

Available: Medium, Large, Extra-large

V-neck, long sleeve, hip length with a

9. Samsonite Tote Bag

Colours: Cornflower Blue, Ice Blue Green,

straight bottom (not pulled in). These

@ $35.00

Pale Yellow

are a cotton-poly-lycra blend.

Fantastic value, this tote features

2. The 3/4 Sleeve Women’s T-Shirt @ $15.00

6. Micro-fibre Wind Vest

2 handles, zippered top and outside

@ $50.00

pocket, black with dark grey trim

100% cotton Non Fiction – Women’s

Elegant micro-fibre wind vest, sand

embroidered in 3-colour PWDCC

very soft, 3/4 sleeve, shallow v-neck,

trimmed in black with sturdy zip on

logo (double dog) – 2 x 5". Roomy,

palm length,

closure and pockets, embroidered in

25 wide x 16", squared re-inforced

embroidered PWDCC logo 2 x 2.5" on

3-colour PWDCC logo (double dog) –

bottom, snap closures at top zipper

top-stitched self band at bottom left.

2 x 5". Draw cord at hip length bottom.

to roll-up bag, or reduce size.

Available: Small, Medium, Large

Available in medium and large.

waterproof heavy nylon construction,

with single dog

10. Twill Bucket Hat @ $20.00

Colours: Soft Blue, Soft Yellow, Cozy Grey

3. Men’s, Women’s @ $15.00 and Children’s T’s @ $10.00 Embroidered in 3-colour PWDCC logo.

7. “Porsche” Nylon Rain Shell with Hood @ $45.00

Tan with black trim and brim lining,

Black rain shell with hood in zippered

(double dog) – 2 x 5", 100% cotton,

up-right collar, sturdy zip on closure

large/x-large size available.

embroidered in 3-colour PWDCC logo

Short sleeve, crew neck, pre-shrunk,

and pockets, embroidered in 3-colour

100% cotton. Not all sizes available

PWDCC logo (double dog) – 2 x 5". Draw

11.Water Bottle @ $20.00

in each colour. Please specify 1st, 2nd

cord at hip length bottom. Available in

Stainless steel, hygienic black flip cap,

and 3rd colour choice.

medium and large.

PWDCC logo, strap and carry bag.

8. North End Lined Fleece Jacket @ $65.00

12.-15. Greeting Cards

Fantastic quality fleece lined with soft

individually or in a set, 4.5" x 6.25"

4. Brushed Cotton Baseball Cap @ $20.00

taffeta and corduroy at the collar and

folded cards with matching envelope.

down the zipper closure, 2 zippered

Set of 4 @ $4.50 or singles @ $1.25

Roger Edwards Design, one-size-fits-all,

pockets and draw cord at hip length

with adjustable velcro tab at back,

bottom. Cell phone pocket, zippered

Colours: beige, steel blue, dark khaki, light khaki, grey, sage green, deep red New Colours: cranberry, periwinkle blue

double dog embroidered logo.

security pocket and interior shock cord

Available in Navy, Red and White

holders are integrated in the lining pro-

4 different designs available, buy

viding a distinctive garment for active dog owners.

To order all merchandise, contact Donna Gottdenker our Merchandise Coordinator at: donna@pwdcc.org or call 519 885-9928 (fax 519 885-9928) Shipping costs will be extra (mail).

12

MAY 2004

www.pwdcc.org PWDCC Waterlog

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To order all merchandise, contact Donna Gottdenker our Merchandise Coordinator at: donna@pwdcc.org or call 519 885-9928 (fax 519 885-9928) Shipping costs will be extra (mail).

PWDCC Waterlog www.pwdcc.org

MORE Views

Jim Musselman with his brown pup and Lorraine Wilson.

Kevin Quinn and Tashi making their entrance.

Lisa Starr with Socko.

Triscuit, a curious Border Terrier, who made frequent forays into the Seminars, had to be ejected for snapping, how unPWD-like but how terrier-like.

Jim and Eden Veres with Zeus and Hera, who think they’re lap dogs.

Ann Passifiume with Samba, Tashi’s son.

All the way from Ottawa, Jack and Louise Kelly with their 2 dogs, Cali and Bica.

Pat Jordan with her dog Misty.

www.pwdcc.org PWDCC Waterlog