The Schaferhunde News
The German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Kansas City
Founded 1923
Issue - March 2017
They say April Showers bring May flowers. Wow, we are going to have the most wonderful colorful Spring in years! Hope everyone is surviving this rain and not totally covered in mud, or have muddy dogs!!!!
It's shaping up already to be a good 2017. We have had three wonderful meetings with the April meeting right around the corner on a very interesting and important topic, pro-biotics for our dogs. If one watches any TV at all, there are multiple ads each evening suggesting the importance and functionality of pro-biotics for people. Well, for our dogs it's the same thing. Especially our GSD's, who do have a tendency to have "gut issues" breed wide. Please plan to attend this educational program, it will be a webinar (no live speaker at the meeting but instead on the big screen TV) hopefully will answer and address questions or concerns we all have regarding this topic.
Our May Meeting will be an Ice Cream Social, one of my very favorite things (besides a dog show). I love ice cream, who doesn't???? Please be sure to mark your calendar and plan to attend with your dog(s) and plan on a fun evening just spending time with the dogs and visiting.
I'm very excited to share that in June, we will go back to our Conformation Specialty Weekend OUTSIDE! For the last 3 years we have held our Shows with the Topeka KC All Breed Circuit, which all but the first year has yielded well-attended majors on both sides. The resounding comment from Exhibitors and Handlers has been that they wished we were outside, on grass, in a large ring, certainly the best venue for our German Shepherd Dogs, without a doubt. After researching and gathering information for the Board, it was decided to go back to our original Show weekend and move our inside Obedience Trial to July, since temperatures are not an issue when inside in an air-conditioned building. We had hoped to be able to go back to the Marriott KCI, but the new owners will absolutely not allow dogs anymore. So, several of us went out and beat the bushes and found a wonderful new and hopefully annual show site at Smithville Lake, Smiths Fork Park. There are two shelter houses, a bathroom facility, a huge athletic field that will be the ring site, and a full hook-up RV Park for those that come in Motor Homes, Campers or RV's. It's a pretty close to perfect site, the Park Director has been easy to work with and very willing to help us to make this a successful enjoyable weekend. There will be more information to come, so stay tuned.
July will be our Obedience Trial. It will be held at the Greater Kansas City Dog Training Center in Raytown on July 8th & 9th and should be a full Trial. For the last 3 years we have always filled, and it has been a wonderful well-spoken of Obedience Trial that many Exhibitors attend each year. We look forward to another successful trial with our own club members competing in as well.
Our annual July Picnic will be once again at the Litton Center where we have had wonderful attendance each time. The dogs and people seem to enjoy the beautiful setting and relaxed atmosphere and wonderful food, games and fellowship. If you've not made it to the Picnic, be sure to put that on your list for this year.
That brings us thru half the year. I look forward to all that lies ahead for our club this year. We have had wonderful attendance and gained new members each and every month and hope everyone gets involved over the next several months in the activities and meetings. We always welcome visitors and hope to make this club as educational AND fun for everyone as possible.
I look forward to seeing everyone next Tuesday
Chris
You’re Invited!
Tuesday, April 11, General meeting, 7:00 p.m., Comfort Inn, 7300 NE Parvin Road, Kansas City, Mo., near Worlds of Fun.
Carmi Swift will be hosting a teleconference on probiotics presented by Dr. Rob. Probiotics is a topic that many breeders and dog owners struggle with trying to understand more about them, the benefits, and what is the best choice.
For more information on the topic, visit https://www.fullbucketpets.com/our-crusade.
The Board meeting will convene at 6:00 p.m. prior to the General meeting. All members are welcome to attend.
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ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Tuesday, May 9, General meeting, 7:00 p.m., Shelter House, at Wheel Park across from Macken Park, 1000 E. 27th Avenue, North Kansas City, Missouri. All are welcome to bring their dogs for a fun night out.
The Board meeting will convene at 6:00 p.m. prior to the General meeting. All members are welcome to attend.
Thank you.
A special thanks to Ray and Betty Laughlin for providing dinner at the March general meeting. It was very thoughtful and generous of the Laughlin’s. The food was fabulous!!
Membership
The GSDCGKC welcomes Ken and Iryna Sanders from Olathe, Ks and Bruce and Tracy Hudson of Odessa, Mo as new members to the club.
Take time to say hello to our new members at the next meeting.
Save the Dates
Sat – Sun June 10-11 GSDCGKC Annual Specialty Show, Smithville Lake, Smithville, Mo
Sat – Sun July 8-9 GSDCGKC All-Breed Obedience Trial, 9911 E 63rd St, Raytown, MO 64133
The Premium Lists for the Specialty Show and Obedience Trials has been added to the website.
Volunteers are needed. Contact Amy Edwards (amy@gsdcgkc.com) Specialty Chair or Sally Hamm (sally@gsdcgkc.com) Obedience Trial Chair to sign-up.
It’s a Girl
Freya Von Darkwing
Submitted by Becky James
It’s been a long 2 year wait to finally get a daughter for Trinity!
She had 8 boys last year and this year her 1st puppy was a little girl!! Who I just happened to choose to keep!
What a pretty girl. Congratulations to the happy family!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Willa and Cindy Hartman competed in Open and Preferred Open earning a 198 n Rally Novice and Beginner Obedience, and first place on March 25th!!!
Becky James and Stoick completed in Rally Novice and Beginner Obedience, finishing up two titles in one weekend. Stoick earned his RN & BN titles.
Cole earned his Beginner Novice title with Carmi Swift.
GETTING STARTED IN JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP
Source: American Kennel Club
Junior Showmanship classes are open to children from 9 to 18 years old and are divided into Novice and Open classes: All participants in Junior Showmanship classes must have an AKC Junior Showmanship Handler Number. Novice classes are for those children who, at the time entries close, have not won three (3) first-place awards in a Novice class at a licensed or member show. To qualify as a win, more than one child must be in competition in a class. The Novice class gives those children who are beginners a chance to gain experience and confidence apart from the more seasoned youngsters.
Open classes are for those children having three or more first-place wins; these are the more experienced Junior Handlers. A beginner can learn how to present their dog more effectively by watching these talented youngsters in the ring.
The classes may further be divided into:
· Junior: At least 9 years old but under 12 years old on the day of the show.
· Intermediate: At least 12 years old but, under 15 years old on the day of the show.
· Senior: At least 15 years old but under 18 years old on the day of the show.
The German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Kansas City is very fortunate to have our very own Junior handler.
Corbin working with Minion at the Juniors Seminar at Heart of America Dog Show
Corbin, son of Tiffany Bartley is 9 ½ years old and is getting an early start showing in the ring. He loves reading and drawing when he is not working with dogs.
YEAR END TITLE TROPHIES
"Year End Title" trophies are awarded to members in recognition of their involvement and accomplishments with their dogs throughout the year. The intent is to reward club members that participate in AKC &/or GSDCA events.
The club will award a "Year End Title" trophy to any German Shepherd Dog owned or co-owned by a member in good standing of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Kansas City who earns a title or certificate in any American Kennel Club (AKC), German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) or National accredited/licensed event.
The trophy year begins on December 1st and ends on November 25th of the following year. All titles earned after November 25th will be awarded the next trophy year. The deadline for submission of title documentation is November 30th of the current trophy Year. Trophies are awarded at the Awards Presentation Meeting in December.
The ‘Trophy Request Form’ can be found on the club website under “Year End Title Trophy’s. Complete the on-line form and submit no later than November 30th to allow time for processing the awards.
Tails & Treats in the Park - Training Workshop
The club is offering a series of classes on the Introduction to Performance and Conformation. Classes start on May 10th and end on June 14th.
Week 1 Puppy Basics & Tricks - Instructors: All
Week 2 Introduction to Obedience - Instructor: Debbie McHenry
Week 3 Introduction to Tracking - Instructor: Sally Hamm
Week 4 Introduction to Rally - Instructor: Cindy Hartman
Week 5 Basic Guidelines to Conformation: Instructors: Tiffany Bartley and Chris Kimerer
Week 6 Introduction to Nosework - Instructors: Cheryl May and Nancy Kennedy
When: May 10th - June 14th
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Where: Wheel Park in Macken Park, 1000 E. 27th Avenue, North Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: GSDCGKC Members $50 / Non-Members $60.00
There is a 12 dog limit for classes. Individual classes will be $15/session if available. Registration can be completed on-line at gsdcgkc.com. Payment can be made at the first class attended.
Good to Read
How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners
By Monks of New Skete (Author)
For nearly a quarter century, How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend has been the standard against which all other dog-training books have been measured. This new, expanded edition, with a fresh new design and new photographs throughout, preserves the best features of the original classic while bringing the book fully up-to-date. The result: the ultimate training manual for a new generation of dog owners - and, of course, for their canine best friends. The Monks of New Skete have achieved international renown as breeders of German shepherds and as outstanding trainers of dogs of all breeds. Their unique approach to canine training, developed and refined over three decades, is based on the philosophy that "understanding is the key to communication, compassion, and communion" with your dog. The importance of honest and effective communication with your dog is underscored throughout this guide, especially in the practical training exercises: a detailed, comprehensive, fully illustrated obedience course through which the monks lead you (and your dog) step-by-step. How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend covers virtually every aspect of living with and caring for your dog, including: Selecting a dog (what breed? male? female? puppy or older dog?) to fit your lifestyle Where to get - and where not to get - a dog Reading a pedigree Training your dog or puppy - when, where, and how The proper use of praise and discipline Feeding, grooming, and ensuring your dog's physical fitness Recognizing and correcting canine behavioral problems The particular challenges of raising a dog where you live - in the city, country, or suburb The proper techniques for complete care of your pet at every stage of his or her life In this new edition, How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend has been expanded to encompass the latest equipment (e.g., retractable leashes, "invisible" fences); new trends in training and care (doggy day care, professional dog walkers, etc.); and dozens of new anecdotes and case studies, drawn from the monks' own experience, that bring to life the essential training concepts. In its scope, its clarity, and its authority, How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend remains unrivaled as a basic training guide for dog owners. Like no other book, this guide can help you understand and appreciate your dog's nature as well as his or her distinct personality - and in so doing, it can significantly enrich the life you share with your dog
GSDCGKC Member Directory
Contact information for club members can now be accessed on the club website (GSDCKC.com) under ABOUT US, “Club Member Directory.”
The Club Member Directory page is password protected. Only club members will be allowed to obtain the password. A record will be maintained of all passwords issued. Contact Marion Baker (marion@gsdcgkc.com) if you are interested in obtaining the password.
Please report any address or telephone number changes to Nancy Kennedy or Marion Baker.