angelsun

Now there is a tale...remember the floods that happened last spring? Well the weekend we were scheduled to do the seminar, was when the water rose...not only could I not GET to Myrtleford (Snow road closed in two spots, and trying to go via Everton, nope...closed..ok...via Wangaratta...nope, can't do that either....the grounds we were to use, weren't flooded but because of the rain, a soggy sponge, so unfortunately we had to cancel.

King Valley is not in NSW. I have no objection to the NSW rule. The issue in contention is one of different rings, same show, no judge(s) in common. No shit Sherlock! This is what I posted "I would check up on this one. It IS a rule in NSW that you CANNOT show in a ring that your spouse, sibling, offspring etc is stewarding. I would hope that Vic is the same." and you said not to make rules up! I merely posted the info that I gadn't made the ruling up sheesh. All affiliated clubs are bound by the rules of their state controlling body, however each club is permitted to bring forward policy that the club abides by, as long as it is not in contradition to the state controlling body rules. Our club believes that this SIMPLE rule will benefit more than it would inconvenience. We also believe that the majority (and this thread is prime proof) of the people, encourage such a policy and will feel very comfortable attending shows with this simple rule. We will (as mentioned above per NSW rules) be making sure that any allowances that we as a club, may have, do comply with VCA rules which of course is the final say. VCA however does not block club policies such as we are suggesting as they have no jurisdiction to state that any club must permit anyone/everyone from exhibiting. In the end, the club (all clubs) have the right to refuse entry of anyone. Overall, this policy we will adopt, has been happily accepted and we are pleased at the response regarding it. As for our Rally events...I"m simply doing the happy dance (on a personal level) because of the over two years its taken and the many plane trips and seminars I've been a part of, to help bring this sport to recognition. This event for me, in our club, will be more satisfying than any Best in Show I might have won in the past and I can't wait to see the exhibitors and their dogs enjoying it!

I have a great many friends back in canada feeding Kirkland (made by Diamond) although Diamond was one of the companies that had that horrible problem with one of the ingredients that ended up killing dogs back a couple years ago, they are still considered to be one of the better kibble producers. I have seen dogs that were fed Purina and switch to Kirkland...huge difference in coat and tone and way less cost. I will say though, that Kirkland which used to be VERY reasonable compared to some of the big brands (Euk/Iams/Purina etc) has slowly crept up in price, so not as inexpensive anymore.

psst..BB...still waiting for the spelling check..it's ANGELSUN :D

To clarify and put to bed any misconceptions on this and I"ll use my OH as an example: He stewards in toys and terriers but is done by mid afternoon....working is last on and just getting going, he would not be permitted to take a dog into the ring. The key here is physical presence in one ring, and then exhibiting in another. It has nothing to do with the belief that judges are less than ethical. It's simply raising the bar and removing ANY interpretation of same. Preventative medicine if you will. Now to address your direct question. You are not physically ring stewarding, nor have had any direct contact with judges/show committee etc, therefore you can enter and exhibit however it would not be in good taste to do so, if you entered the ring while your spouse was stewarding that same ring. There are many unwritten rules or proceedures and we are only attempting to work on a small portion of them. We realize the show world is small, and country shows are smaller, and do not want to cut noses off, however we recognize a need for this sort of thing to be dealt with directly to allow ALL others that are in no way associated with the show on any level other than having paid their same amount of money for entry, to get an unbiased (or allegedly unbiased) fair look/judgement. We will be offering Rally before traditional obedience and will be using one ring for all three classes. (as often is the normal proceedure) Workers in obedience will not be under the same strict rules as this side of dog sport is pretty cut and dried...dog sits...probably a pass...dog doesn't sit...doesn't pass..there isn't the room for interpretation or personal judgement as there is in the conformation rings. However, based on my homework, we won't be having problems getting workers for the Rally ring, as it will be required for any new judges wishing to get a licence so any chance to steward/work a real trial will be snapped up.

To be honest, I (we) haven't given a thought to an endurance trial! I really don't know much about them and what would be involved. Any info or direction to educate me is appreciated.

You will be the only club in Victoria that I know of to implement such a harsh and unnecessary policy, and you will also be a club that can least afford to do that. Don't you realise that when you come up with arbitrary notions like this one you're effectively saying to everyone "We don't trust the judges we've selected to base their decisions only on the dogs they see in the ring"? CC I for one (and have club agreement) believe that it is not a harsh action. Our ultimate goal is to provide EVERYONE with a level playing field in a sport renowned for not being so in some areas and circumstances. Our goal is to raise the bar in regards to curbing the chatter so often heard at shows. Truth speak or not, the chatter is there and as such, puts a lot of people and clubs in the centre of disapproval because of it. There is no reason, why any steward would need to dash out of one ring, and into another to exhibit. The MAJORITY of stewards do not do this, and we will ask them if they are intersted in working the show. Although it may be a new concept here, these are rules I"m very used to abiding by and as such, I strongly beleive that they will benefit the club and more importantly, those that choose to enter, in the long run. As for Ozentries, we will take it into consideration. I"m all for keeping up with the new technology and encouraging entry numbers and lets face it, show secretary work is not appreciated by many! I will be (if the club agrees to use this service) trying to work out an entry fee to allow for their service charges so that it does not become too costly and as such, defeats the purpose of using the service. Thanks for the good questions.

Professional by definiion means there is money for payment of services, but many toss the label around and don't really fit it. I didn't consider myself professional until I had regular clients that both lived with me and were in my care for the show weekend, and did all aspects of showing which yes, included grooming but also included training time outside the ring. I had contracts with the owners that allowed me permission to do any vet care needed and treat the dog as it were my own when it came to anything it might need to keep it happy. My dogs were left in crates if a conflict of showing occured. The client dogs came first, and I never took dogs out of the same group as it created a conflict at the group level. . At one point, I was showing about fifteen per show and often we had two shows per day. Made for a hard weekend with all the lugging of crates around and exercising of dogs. I was fortunate to have some juniors that helped. I was hired to take specific dogs to specific shows, in the states for example at specialty events or big cluster shows where there were majors to be had. My expenses were covered (motels/travel/meals) and a fee for handling the dog and all that came with it. I represented that dog, both in the ring and in photos for advertising and it was my job to provide the best care and presentation possible. I stopped being 'pro' a few years before I left Canada, having only a few ring side clients to tend to (albeit wire coat terriers that needed plenty of pre ring grooming!) I scaled down and enjoyed my own dogs again after a lot of time where it was a job

We are hoping for warm and dry weather time of year and of course to not conflict with other shows in the general area. This is where VCA has the ultimate decision. We just put forward weekends and cross our fingers! Will let everyone know the moment we get word.

there WILL be neuter classes...no issue there (I have a neuter girl), but unfortunately won't be showing at our own shows as our club will be instigating a 'no show policy' for show committee members/club board members. The reason for this is simple...we have close contact with all aspects of the show and feel that it MAY be concieved as favouratism should one of our dogs compete and win (we are speaking about conformation here) So our dogs will not be entered. That means anything also owned but us, will not simply be put on another handler as often happens, nor will any ring steward working, be permitted to exhibit at the show under any of the other judges. We are attempting to create an enviroment that will give as fair a go to everyone as possible in an era of this sport where many people are disillusioned about the 'politics' of things. Local areas to support by way of motel/caravan parks and within 40 minutes are Myrtleford, (show venue) Wangaratta, Milawa, Bright just to name a few. We are hoping to have a great BBQ event as well as brekkie catering available and also want to offer junior handling (pending VCA approval) As mentioned before, our goal is to provide the country show gang, another great opportunity to exhibit and trial their dogs. We are VERY excited about the Rally trials that will be up for offer!

We are pleased to announce that the King Valley Kennel Club has attained affiliation with the VCA. We will be sanctioned to hold conformation shows, obedience trials and Rally Obedience trials (and hopefully other things later on in time) We are located in beautiful North East Victoria and will be looking forward to having our first set of shows in 2012 once our dates are approved by the VCA. At this point, we can't say too much about when the shows will occur as we don't have firm dates, but we can say that we are looking at getting some overseas judges and hope that people come out to support this new club, offering 'down home' country shows that people can enjoy. Large spaces to set up with big rings is our ultimate goal when it comes to venue. An hour from Albury/Wodonga and only three hours from most Melbourne areas and in the heart of wine country, this region plans to offer more than just another dog show weekend, but a wonderful relaxing experience. With a great many choices as to accomodations (which will include on site camping) we hope that anyone that hasn't come up to this region, gives our shows a serious look when considering and budgeting for your travel and show plans. More information on these upcoming shows will be posted as soon as the club has confirmation on a number of items.

email me for the final draft of the rules for ANKC (to my knowledge this is it, and won't be adjusted)

Come now BB....spell check puleeze. ;)

13 pups in a German Pinscher litter. None moved or sorted, only kept a close eye on to be sure the little ones were getting their share. Being weighed twice a day, it was easy to do this and top up with formula when needed. Pups ate in shifts and this was a first time mom, so no drama there. All pups thrived and survived, although they were weaned at an exceptionaly early age to reduce the stresses on the mom.

In regards to a show person/breeder picking. What they choose is often not what I would choose, so generally there has never been any issues or a case of wanting the same pup. I however do put aside what I want first and foremost, if I wasn't, why am I breeding? Show people/obedience people are next and I match up what I think is best for their needs, using their imput as best as I can. Pet people get what is remaining if there is anything left. They do not choose anything other an perhaps wanting a certain colour and/or gender. Many times however, they don't get that either and have to either take nothing or compromise. You would not believe the amount of people that will NOT take a dog of a certain colour and will go without...there is always someone else on the list that is happy to welcome a Pinscher into their world and can see beyond colour, and appreciate the dog for what it is.

Agreed, you change your mind, not the other persons fault or responsibility (financially)

German Pinscher babies (hopefully due) September 6

Alpine Animal Doctors in Porepunkah VIC Dr.Rebecca Day who is (in my opinion) brilliant. She deals in the Camelot method and will do spin down fresh and implant using keyhole surgery.

@ Shell, hope I sorted your questions out.

I've not heard a peep from anyone regarding Rally in Victoria. I have been trying for two years to get clubs going with seminars and the courses needed to train their members, but I can't seem to get much interest. I just hope when this becomes official, they are in fact ready to deal with it. I have applied for my judging licence for this sport in hopes of continuing to promote this sport correctly, but haven't heard back from VCA regarding it. How ironic would it be if I am turned down. oh well.

So when was it supposed to be mandatory class here in Vic? I thought I read sometime back it was July 1st. If so, is there 'grace' period for crossing over the schedules printing in the gazette or is the class really offered and just not published? Angel wants to get back out and strut her black and tan bum again, but it's been a long stretch between the last Albury event offering and the next one up that way.

Maybe she is holding out for her after nookie smoke?

One of my dogs (for sure, maybe more) is going as a competator, along with a few of his offspring. We have a decent entry for my breed this year. I'll be crossing fingers and toes for good results!

The working hound group....trying it out to see if it'll fly!

Good luck for sunday and have fun training are you taking my boy or the tart? I'll make Derryn handle both..hehe. Hoping for no rain,or it'll be a muck hole at training. New folks coming I think. Gonna need to run more classes the way our enrollment is going!