Volume 62/Number 3 May/June 2012

Belgian Sheepdog newSletterThe Official Publication of the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America, Inc.

Performance & Working Belgian Sheep Dogs

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Mawrmyth Belgians

GCH CH Mawrmyth Ultra Unique Mika (CH LeBeau Playing With Fire X CH Mawrmyth Lovely Lyric)

Hips : BSD-3643E34F-VPI Elbows: BSD-EL1359F34-VPI Cerf: BSD-2059

Unique finished her Grand Championship with two 5 point majors by going Select at the Trinity Valley Belgian Sheepdog Club Specialty Show Jan. 4, 2013 and BOS at the Nolan

River Kennel Club Show Jan. 6, 2013.

SUMMER LITTER PLANNED

Mawrmyth Belgians Marcy Spalding AKC Breeder of Merit

Houston, Texas 713-461-6679 mawrmyth@aol.com

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Table of ContentsBelgian Sheepdog newSletter

May/June 2012 • VoluMe 62/nuMBer 3

www.bsca.info

DEPARTMENTS

2012 AKC Obedience Invitational Qualifiers 38

Board of Directors and Committee Chairs 4

Board Meetings Minutes

December 2012 ~ February 2013 6-10

BSCA Area Reporters Contact Information 44

BSCA Notice – Why to Join 44

Corresponding Secretary’s ReportFebruary/March 2013 5-6

News of Our Members (Brags) 44

Newsletter Rates, Specs and Policy 47

President’s Message 5

Belgian Sheepdog Rescue Trust Updates 20

ADVERTISEMENTS

Adagio – Prima 28Cibola – Frio 18Cibola – Lindsey 19Lagniappe Belgians 34-35Laralee Belgians 24-25Mawrmyth – Unique 2Nobility – Voltage 392013 National Specialty 48

ARTICLES

A Message For You Submitted by The Messenger Dog Committee 27ATTS Belgian Sheepdogs 2011 By Sallyann Comstock 23Breeding A Better Performance Dog Submitted by Terri Votava 26BSDRT – Rain Needs An Umbrella Submitted by Susan Hoffman, PNW/PSW Area Coordinator 21Selecting A Performance Puppy Submitted by Lorra Miller 13Those Biddable Belgians Submitted by Lisa Leffingwell 11I Love Running Agility With My Dogs... Submitted by Carol Denny, Linda McCarty, Bob McCarty 22Working and Playing Together in Agility Submitted by Christian Eckhoff 15Belgian Sheepdog Health Canine Gastric Motility Disorders by Dr. Rory Friedow 36Belgian Shepherd Hereditary Cataract Study Submitted by Dave Vesely 42Get Ready for the JMD Submitted by Annabelle Cambier for The Messenger Dog Committee 29Evaluating Structure by Nina Plail (Clean Run) 40Trinity Valley Specialty Report Submitted by Anita Meeks 31Pacific Northwest Pet Expo Submitted by Ramona Kraft 43

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Board of Directors & Committee Chairs

President Susan Hoffman1st Vice President Melinda Andric2nd Vice President Shelly BrosnanTreasurer Marion HeiseRecording Secretary Judy JohnstoneCorresponding Secretary Claire Trethewey 22115 NW Imbrie Drive #257 Hillsboro, OR 97124 clairedelune@alfirin.net 503-702-0477

Board Members Bonnie Leonard Pat Snow Cara Greger

AKC Delegate Barbara SwisherAKC Gazette Columnist Andrae AcerraAwards and Good Sportsmanship Linda BradyBSCA Store (Fundraising) VACANTBSCA Web Director David JacksonConstitution Barbara SwisherEducation (General) Sherri Wilmoth SwabbEducation (Judges) Linda RobeyFinance Susan HoffmanAudit Cindy HermanHealth Rory Friedow, DVMHistorian Sharon LaFuseJudges Selection Rachelle Bailey-AustinJunior Showmanship Terri Ann VotavaLegislative Action Peggy RichterMediation & Arbitration Susan HoffmanMembership Services Penny KingMerit Achievement Lynn SharkeyMessenger Dog Annabelle CambierOutstanding Sportsmanship Gail O’NeilPerformance Events Bonnie LeonardSunshine/Remembrance Susan Hoffman

National Specialty Advisor Jim ReiseNational Specialty 2012 Carleen WilesNational Specialty 2013 Bonnie LeonardNational Specialty 2014 Pat Snow

BSCA Newsletter StaffEditor Cathie RossmanCoordinating/Content Linda BradyCorrespondence Bruce FreedmanCopy Editors Barbara Swisher Lori Goldstrom

Board of Directors & Committee Chairs

www.bsca.info

Subscription & Editor Contact Information

The annual subscription rate (6 issues) is $50.00Foreign subscribers contact editor for quotation.Send checks (no credit cards please) payable in US funds to:

BSCA, c/o Cathie Rossman, Editor1781 Fish Springs RdGardnerville, NV 89410-6694Email: newslettersubmissions@bsca.info

IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT:Belgian Sheepdog Newsletter (ISSN 10779841) Volume 62, No. 3, Issue May/June 2012, is published bi-monthly by the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America, Inc., 1781 Fish Springs Rd, Gardnerville, NV 89410-6694. Periodicals postage paid at Gardnerville, NV 89410-6694 and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTERSend address changes to Belgian Sheepdog Newsletter 1781 Fish Springs Rd, Gardnerville, NV 89410-6694

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February 2013

In accordance with the BSCA Constitution and By-Laws, the names of member applicants to the BSCA are listed below. Members are invited to provide comment to the board of directors regarding the applicants. Comments regarding applicants should be sent to Claire Trethewey, Corresponding Secretary, 22115 NW Imbrie Drive #257, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6988. Please send any change of address information (including phone number and email address) to Claire Trethewey as well. corrsec@bsca.info or clairedelune@alfirin.net

New member applications:

Michael P. Deignan5 Slater StreetRehoboth, MA 02769-2814401-556-5062Toltingcoltacres@cox.netSponsors: David A. MacLeod and Gail Kenny

John Elliott9N909 Koshare TrailElgin, IL 60124-4306630-204-6209JohnElliott@comcast.netSponsors: Laurie Bandy and Lynn Sharkey

Cathy McClellandP.O. Box 1454Kings Beach, CA 96143-1454530-546-2210Cam1tahoeart@gmail.comSponsors: Rachelle Bailey Austin and Ramona Kraft

Wanda SmithE1374 Thiry Daems RoadLuxemburg, WI 54217-8881920-845-5865Mrstoby1374@gmail.comSponsors: Bonnie Leonard and Mary Ann Ralston

Corresponding Secretary’s Reports

President’s Message

Hello Members,

This magazine is coming out prior to the National Specialty to be held in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, the week of May 5th – 11th. Our membership meeting will be held on Thursday night, May 9th. There will be some important issues to be discussed and some decisions to be made. If you are

planning to be at the specialty, please plan to attend the membership meeting.

As you know, the newsletter is of great concern to all of us. Cathie and a group of our members have done an outstanding job moving toward getting current. From what Cathie has told me, the newsletter should be back on schedule by mid-year. Under committee reports, Cathie plans to have an in depth report on the newsletter and some proposals for its future. Each member present will be able to ask questions or share their ideas. For those of you who cannot attend, this would be a very good time to send Cathie your ideas so that she can incorporate them in her thought process prior to the meeting.

A good portion of the last newsletter published was dedicated to a “French Style Herding” test for our Belgians. From reading the articles, it is apparent that at some point in the meeting motions will be made. Please read through the information so that you can make an informed decision at the time a vote is called.

If you have something you would like to discuss under new business and need help with forming a motion for your proposal, I will be happy to help you.

I would like to extend our members’ appreciation to Kathy Champine and Andy McGregor for their past service to the club. In addition, I would like to welcome to our team Judy Johnstone (Recording Secretary through June 30th), David Jackson (our new Web Director) and Penny King (our new Membership Services committee chair).

We are currently seeking someone to chair the 2014 nominating committee. Please contact me if you think you would be interested in doing this.

Susan Hoffman, BSCA President

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Corrections to Membership Directory

Julie Cantrell phone number541-236-8030

Change of Address:Patty Naulty

March 2013

New member applications:

Aimee Nothnagle100 Sunnyside DriveRochester, NY 14623-1334585-273-0264anj@rochester.rr.comSponsors: Anita Meeks and Pamela Smith

December 2012

Old Business

Marion Heise reported that as of December 29, 322 members have renewed (74%).

New Business

Finance

Marion Heise reminded members of the new dues renewal deadlines via BSCA Notice and BSCA Talk.

Marion Heise requested that we continue to use Sledzik & Associates to prepare the 990’s.

Membership

The nominating committee submitted the following slate of candidates:

1st Vice President Melinda Andric (Texas)Recording Secretary Mary Grace Buckwalter (Pennsylvania)

Board Members at Large Bonnie Leonard (Wisconsin) Pat Snow (Oklahoma)

2013 National Specialty

Peggy Richter asked if she could make a presentation via telephone regarding French Non Boundary Herding at the General Membership meeting. Susan Hoffman consulted with the parliamentarian who responded that only people who are physically present can speak to a motion. He provided several alternatives.

There was a date conflict with the BSCA National Specialty and the Indianhead Kennel Club. Marion Heise contacted the Indianhead Kennel Club and resolved the conflict allowing the shows to co-exist.

Newsletter

A complaint was received from Tami Worley regarding the newsletter being behind schedule. Tami asked for a dues refund.

Marion Heise provided a five year recap of newsletter expenses vs. income for the board.

Claire Trethewey contacted the AKC to verify that printing titles earned in the newsletter does not conflict with their publishing restrictions.

Susan Hoffman posted a letter to BSCA Notice and BSCA Talk regarding dues, the newsletter and French Non Boundary Herding. (Appendix A)

Polls Completed

Motion by Marion Heise, second by Pat Snow, to pay the AKC dues notice for 2013 for $25. Yes: Melinda Andric, Marion Heise, Kathy Champine, Pat Snow, Claire Trethewey and Shelly Brosnan No: 0 Absent: Bonnie Leonard and Cara Greger.Motion by Claire Trethewey, second by Kathy Champine, to accept the November 2012 Statement of Financial Position as posted subject to audit. Yes: Melinda Andric, Claire Trethewey, Shelly Brosnan, Pat Snow, Kathy Champine, Bonnie Leonard and Marion Heise No: 0 Absent: Cara GregerMotion by Claire Trethewey, second by Kathy Champine, to accept the November 2012 Statement of Activities as posted subject to audit. Yes: Marion

BSCA Board Meeting Minutes

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Heise, Shelly Brosnan, Claire Trethewey, Pat Snow, Melinda Andric, Bonnie Leonard and Kathy Champine No: 0 Absent: Cara GregerMotion by Marion Heise, second by Shelly Brosnan, to accept the November minutes as published. Yes: Melinda Andric, Claire Trethewey, Marion Heise, Kathy Champine and Pat Snow No: 0 Absent: Cara Greger, Bonnie Leonard and Shelly BrosnanMotion by Claire Trethewey, second by Shelly Brosnan, to approve the $50 supported entry for Tri City Kennel Club, August 31, 2013. Yes: Marion Heise, Cara Greger, Bonnie Leonard, Melinda Andric, Pat Snow, Shelly Brosnan, Kathy Champine and Claire Trethewey No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Marion Heise, second by Kathy Champine, to reimburse Ramona Kraft mailing expenses related to Meet the Breeds. Yes: Cara Greger, Marion Heise, Claire Trethewey, Bonnie Leonard, Pat Snow, Melinda Andric, Shelly Brosnan and Kathy Champine. No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Claire Trethewey, second by Shelly Brosnan, that Diane Ramsey be accepted into membership in the BSCA. Yes: 8 No: 0 Abstain: 0

Polls in Progress

Motion by Marion Heise, second by Pat Snow, to reimburse Claire Trethewey $280.39 for postage and envelope expense related to mailing the nominating committee slate to the members for the 2013 BSCA election.Motion by Marion Heise, second by Kathy Champine, that the BSCA and BSDRT continue to use Keri of Sledzik & Associates to prepare the 990's for both organizations for the fiscal year 2012. Cost for both should be $500.

Submitted byKathy Champine, Recording Secretary

January 2013

Old Business

No old business

New Business

Finance

Cindy Herman advised Susan Hoffman that the audit is still in process.

Marion Heise advised the board to move the 2014 National Specialty funds to a money market account paying .95% from the savings account paying .1%.

Marion Heise reported that the 1099 - Misc and 1096 forms have been mailed.

General

A question was raised as to whether or not titles earned from organizations other than the AKC count towards the award medallion or performance/merit awards. The consensus was that this should be decided by the Performance Committee.

Peggy Richter suggested the BSCA Board write a letter in opposition of the Los Angeles City proposed ordinance regarding shelter dogs. The letter was drafted by Peggy Richter and sent by Claire Trethewey, Corresponding Secretary.

Marion Heise is discussing the possibility of changing the renewal date of the BSCA’s liability insurance with Equisure to February 1, from the current date of April 1. Equisure cannot send proof of insurance until the policy is renewed which could cause problems with them providing proof of insurance 30 days prior to the event if a National Specialty is held in April.

Claire Trethewey advised that Julie Codding will handle nominations for the Good Sportsmanship Award. Claire received the medallion from the AKC.

BSCA Board Meeting Minutes cont.

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Membership

From a total of 436 members, 405 members renewed, 6 members advised they are not renewing and 25 members have not renewed.

Bruce Freedman advised that nominating forms for Val McKagen would be arriving via snail mail. Claire Trethewey advised Bruce that no forms had been received from Val as of January 30, 2013. (Per the constitution, all nominations must be filed with the Corresponding Secretary no later than January 29th).

Polls Completed

Motion by Marion Heise, second by Pat Snow, to reimburse Claire Trethewey $280.39 for postage and envelope expense related to mailing the nominating committee slate to the members for the 2013 BSCA election. Yes: Bonnie Leonard, Claire Trethewey, Kathy Champine, Melinda Andric, Cara Greger, Pat Snow and Shelly Brosnan. No: 0 Absent: Marion HeiseMotion by Marion Heise, second by Kathy Champine, that the BSCA and BSDRT continue to use Keri of Sledzik & Associates to prepare the 990's for both organizations for the fiscal year 2012. Cost for both should be $500. Yes: Kathy Champine, Pat Snow, Claire Trethewey, Shelly Brosnan, Cara Greger, Marion Heise, Bonnie Leonard, Melinda Andric. No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Claire Trethewey, second by Pat Snow, that the December 2012 Statement of Financial Position be approved as posted subject to audit. Yes: Marion Heise, Bonnie Leonard, Melinda Andric, Pat Snow, Shelly Brosnan, Kathy Champine, Claire Trethewey and Cara Greger. No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Claire Trethewey, second by Pat Snow, that the December 2012 Statement of Activities be approved as posted subject to audit. Yes: Melinda Andric, Pat Snow, Cara Greger, Kathy Champine, Marion Heise, Shelly Brosnan, Claire Trethewey and Bonnie Leonard. No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Marion Heise, second by Claire Trethewey, to open an Ally money market account in the amount of $1,035.80 (which is the amount 2014 has raised so far) to maximize interest. Yes: Shelly Brosnan, Bonnie Leonard, Kathy Champine, Pat Snow and Marion

Heise. No: 0 Absent: Melinda Andric, Cara Greger and Claire Trethewey.Motion by Marion Heise, second by Claire Trethewey, that the BSCA Board accept the late renewal of Deanna Sebastian. Yes: Shelly Brosnan, Kathy Champine, Bonnie Leonard, Marion Heise and Pat Snow. No: 0 Absent: Cara Greger, Melinda Andric and Claire Trethewey.Motion by Marion Heise, second by Shelly Brosnan, to accept the late renewal of Karla Spriggs. Yes: Pat Snow, Shelly Brosnan, Cara Greger, Melinda Andric, Marion Heise, Claire Trethewey, Kathy Champine and Bonnie Leonard. No: 0 Absent: 0

Polls in Progress

Motion by Melinda Andric, second by Marion Heise, to approve a BSCA Regional Specialty with Sweepstakes to be held on Sunday, September 1, 2013, in connection with Vicksburg Kennel Club of Mississippi at the Monroe Civic Center, Monroe, LA. Also, a BSCA Supported Entry (no Sweepstakes) to be held on Monday, September 2, 2013, in connection with Vicksburg Kennel Club Of Mississippi at the same location.Motion by Melinda Andric, second by Marion Heise, to support with the standard trophy donation the following events: Trinity Valley Belgian Sheepdog Club, Supported Entry (No Sweepstakes) to be held Friday, August 30, 2013, with Bayou Kennel Club; Trinity Valley Belgian Sheepdog Club, Designated Regional Specialty (with Sweepstakes) to be held Saturday, August 31, 2012, with Bayou Kennel Club;BSCA, Designated Regional Specialty (with Sweepstakes) to be held Sunday, September 1, 2013, with Vicksburg Kennel Club Of Mississippi; BSCA, Supported Entry (No Sweepstakes) to be held Monday, September 2, 2013, with Vicksburg Kennel Club of Mississippi.Motion by Marion Heise, second by Pat Snow, to pay the newsletter bill in the amount of $1,913.89, and the membership directory bill in the amount of $747.44 for a total of $2,661.33.

Submitted byKathy Champine, Recording Secretary

BSCA Board Meeting Minutes cont.

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February 2013

Old Business

No old business

New Business

General

Val McKagen’s documents for her nomination from the floor were mailed on February 7, 2013, and not received by the Corresponding Secretary until February 11, 2013. Susan Hoffman wrote to Val to let her know that the deadline of January 29 (per the constitution) was missed.

Kathy Champine resigned her positions of Recording Secretary and Web Director.

Polls Completed

Motion by Melinda Andric, second by Marion Heise, to support with the standard trophy donation the following events: Trinity Valley Belgian Sheepdog Club, Supported Entry (No Sweepstakes) to be held Friday, August 30, 2013 with Bayou Kennel Club. Trinity Valley Belgian Sheepdog Club, Designated Regional Specialty (With Sweepstakes) to be held Saturday, August 31, 2013 with Bayou Kennel Club. BSCA, Designated Regional Specialty (With Sweepstakes) to be held Sunday, September 1, 2013 with Vicksburg Kennel Club Of Mississippi. BSCA, Supported Entry (No Sweepstakes) to be held Monday, September 2, 2013 with Vicksburg Kennel Club Of Mississippi. Yes: Bonnie Leonard, Melinda Andric, Cara Greger, Kathy Champine, Shelly Brosnan, Pat Snow, Claire Trethewey. No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Melinda Andric, second by Marion Heise, to approve a BSCA Regional Specialty with Sweepstakes to be held on Sunday, September 1, 2013, in connection with Vicksburg Kennel Club of Mississippi at the Monroe Civic Center, Monroe, LA. Also, a BSCA Supported Entry (no Sweepstakes) to be held on Monday, September 2, 2013, in connection with Vicksburg Kennel Club Of Mississippi at the

same location. Yes: Pat Snow, Shelly Brosnan, Kathy Champine, Melinda Andric, Cara Greger, Claire Trethewey, Bonnie Leonard. No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Marion Heise, second by Pat Snow, to pay the newsletter bill in the amount of $1,913.89 and the membership directory bill in the amount of $747.44 for a total of $2,661.33. Yes: Bonnie Leonard, Pat Snow, Cara Greger, Melinda Andric, Claire Trethewey, Kathy Champine, Shelly Brosnan, Marion Heise. No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Claire Trethewey, second by Pat Snow, that James Trometer be accepted into BSCA membership. Yes: 5 No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Marion Heise, second by Pat Snow, to reimburse Claire Trethewey $230.63 for postage and supplies related to the second stage Judge's selection ballot and the Good Sportsmanship award. Yes: Shelly Brosnan, Claire Trethewey, Melinda Andric, Marion Heise, Kathy Champine. No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Claire Trethewey, second by Pat Snow, that Dianna Lattin be accepted into BSCA membership. Yes: 5 No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Claire Trethewey, second by Pat Snow, that Christian Eckhoff be accepted into BSCA membership. Yes: 5 No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Claire Trethewey, second by Pat Snow, that Ingrid van Drogelen be accepted into BSCA membership. Yes: 5 No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Claire Trethewey, second by Pat Snow, that the January 2013 Statement of Activities be approved as posted subject to audit. Yes: Melinda Andric, Kathy Champine, Bonnie Leonard, Marion Heise, Pat Snow, Shelly Brosnan, Claire Trethewey. No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Claire Trethewey, second by Pat Snow, that the January 2013 Statement of Financial Position be approved as posted subject to audit. Yes: Claire Trethewey, Marion Heise, Shelly Brosnan, Melinda Andric, Kathy Champine, Bonnie Leonard, Pat Snow. No: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion by Claire Trethewey, second by Melinda Andric, to accept the December 2012 minutes as submitted. Yes: Kathy Champine, Pat Snow, Melinda Andric, Claire Trethewey, Shelly Brosnan, Marion Heise, Bonnie Leonard. No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Marion Heise, second by Shelly Brosnan, to pay AKC invoice #201216 in the amount of $1.32.

BSCA Board Meeting Minutes cont.

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Yes: Claire Trethewey, Marion Heise, Bonnie Leonard, Shelly Brosnan, Pat Snow, Melinda Andric, Kathy Champine. No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Marion Heise, second by Melinda Andric, to accept the late memberships of Kathleen Cuddeback and Don & Nancy May. Yes: Kathy Champine, Pat Snow, Melinda Andric, Claire Trethewey, Shelly Brosnan, Marion Heise, Bonnie Leonard. No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Marion Heise, second by Bonnie Leonard, to accept the membership renewal of Mary Falcone and Heike Wehrle. Yes: Melinda Andric, Marion Heise, Claire Trethewey, Shelly Brosnan, Pat Snow, Kathy Champine. No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Marion Heise, second by Melinda Andric to renew the BSCA's liability insurance for 2013 in the amount of $600. Yes: Pat Snow, Melinda Andric, Shelly Brosnan, Marion Heise, Cara Greger, Claire Trethewey. No: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion by Marion Heise, second by Claire Trethewey to accept the January, 2013 minutes. Yes: Cara Greger, Bonnie Leonard, Melinda Andric, Pat Snow, Marion Heise, Shelly Brosnan, Claire Trethewey. No: 0

Abstain: 0Motion by Marion Heise, second by Melinda Andric to reimburse Claire Trethewey $397.94 for expenses related to the 2013 BSCA election as well as postage for mailing new member packets. Yes: Claire Trethewey, Melinda Andric, Cara Greger, Shelly Brosnan, Pat Snow, Bonnie Leonard, Marion Heise. No: 0 Abstain: 0Motion by Claire Trethewey, second by Pat Snow to approve Judy Johnstone to assume the position of Recording Secretary to replace the resigned Kathy Champine. Judy will serve through June 30, 2013.Yes: Melinda Andric, Marion Heise, Cara Greger, Shelly Brosnan, Pat Snow, Claire Trethewey. No: 0

Polls in Progress

None

Submitted bySusan Hoffman, President

BSCA Board Meeting Minutes cont.

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Those Biddable Belgians…Submitted by Lisa Leffingwell, Liswyn Belgians

Thankfully, many of my puppies have ended up in homes where hard-working owners working in team with their Belgians have achieved performance titles in various arenas. I started out in the obedience ring, in addition to the junior showmanship ring, and was fortunate to have learned from excellent trainers to train very smart Belgians. Initially, obedience was my primary venue. This led to some excellent homes for puppies. I intend to get back to it as I really miss it and my obedience friends.

First, some Belgians are smarter than others! I have loved many – most very bright, some not so much. Generally the females are smarter than the males, as far as picking up the lesson quickly; however, they may or may not be in the mood to perform so well at a particular time. The males, on the other hand, are more adoring and want to please. They do not pick up new concepts as quickly but do perform more reliably. They are not as particular as the females about their environment. Females may be too prissy to lie down in a dirt arena but the male rarely has that issue. I had one male that I never thought would overcome his phobia of thunderstorms, but then surprised me when he had the confidence to steadily perform his Open stays during a very bad thunderstorm. His training gave him the confidence to perform his exercises reliably, confidently and on his own. The males tend to be creatures of habit and the females unpredictable. I appreciate and enjoy training both sexes but also think that particular puppy buyers might excel with one or the other and might try to steer them in a particular way.

Noticing differences in environment and actually being uncertain about new people, places and things are the mark of a smarter Belgian. They actually are smart enough to figure out the differences and that there may be situations, people, etc., deserving of fear or uncertainty. Confidence can develop both through training, age, and experience. Belgians that are not afraid of anything and/or do not notice these differences, may not be as smart as those that do notice or show hesitation.

I am not a big fan of Puppy Aptitude Testing as I think it is over-rated as an evaluation tool. Too much emphasis is placed on how a puppy performed at that exact time on a given day and they are not generally useful to forecast adult temperament or behavior. I try to steer a potential performance buyer away from any fixation on a particular test, at a certain day and time.

I am honored that Al Breece loved and trained Houdini, out of my H litter. When he came to see the litter, he shared a common sense tip that has proven valuable when watching my litters develop. Notice those pups that naturally do those things that are valued in a performance arena – i.e., for obedience - those who naturally follow in a heel position, have a clean sit, offer forgiveness, respond well to correction, and/or settle into different situations. It is not as important how a puppy reacts to an issue but rather how the puppy copes and moves on. Some Belgians are natural sitters and some are not – I had one female that produced very well for me but she never sat. She either stood or laid down. Obedience sits would have been a challenge for her as well as sit stays.

Performance buyers often specifically want a puppy that is food, tug, praise or ball/toy motivated. I am not hung up on what motivates a puppy, as different puppies are motivated in different ways and that can also be ever changing. I breed to have motivated puppies or those that with little training can become motivated. I believe it is up to the owner/trainer to figure out how best to motivate the puppy in performance – that is what makes them a team. I do not breed for cookie-cutter puppies or a particular type of motivation technique. There are more important breeding goals than that and I believe that is very narrow-minded as that assumes that all owner/trainers are alike. Most of my litters have overall been more food motivated. I do not find Belgians to be natural retrievers and if a potential puppy buyer is specifically looking for this as a characteristic, it generally is not a trait found in my puppies. But it is easily trained and mastered.

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I learn the most about the pups in each litter simply by watching them, in different areas in my house and yard, with different people, and in different places. By the time they are 8-10 weeks old, I have a pretty good idea of what their personalities are like. Every now and then, I am surprised. For example, I discouraged one performance home from taking a particular pup on a given day. I felt like the puppy was unforgiving and sulky on that day, especially for a more inexperienced trainer. As it turns out, the pouty puppy ended up in an intense, experienced performance home and has excelled – not showing these tendencies at all – an accurate, easy going dog. Both the dogs in the litter have excelled in various performance venues. That is where credit is given the trainers – to mold and train their dog to become part of an excellent team.

Performance titles – this is another pet peeve of mine. Many potential performance puppy buyers insist on having performance titles on the parents. While this is ideal, our Belgians naturally excel in the performance arenas. Whether or not they have performance titles depends on their owner. I have had many dogs that would/could have excelled in obedience or other venues over the last ten years that I have been absent from the obedience rings. Their lack of performance titles certainly does not reflect on their ability to earn them and is not a reflection on the working ability in the line.

Belgians have a problem with anticipation in performance events – this makes sense, as they are very intelligent dogs and it really does make sense to skip certain steps – a dog does get to the end result quickly that way! Also, some Belgians just do not handle repetitive training well. They are easily bored with it and then either start refusing or finding ways to undesirably mix it up.

Certainly, health clearances are a must for a performance dog although I have seen dogs with varying degrees of dysplasia handle very successful and long performance careers due to their excellent physical condition. Puppy people are very interested in health, as they should be.I like to breed more compatible temperaments – if you have a more nervous female, breed to a calmer dog. While this does not mean that the puppies will be in between, those individuals compliment and over the years, I think it has been generally successful. I want to live with a calm dog – he/she can be active outside or in the chosen venue. In the house, I want them to calm down and be easy companions to live with. I do not like to be around a busy dog in the house. This certainly does not mean that

they are missing drive and ability to perform. This is out of necessity as I may have several dogs in the house at a time and I want to enjoy a calm evening with them. I hope I recall Al’s quote correctly as I have always been of the same mind – “Energy on Demand”.

Most Belgians do best when things are very black and white. I do not correct a dog heavily if he/she doesn’t know an exercise yet. However, I do not hesitate to get all over a dog that knows an exercise but is simply refusing to perform to his or her ability. A strong correction in response to an undesired action and excited praise or extra reward for a correctly performed action earns continued respect and defines the black from the white. Too often, I find that people new to the breed want to treat their Belgian with velvet gloves and their manipulative Belgian quickly learns to rule the roost and gets out of hand. They understand and can accept a strong correction if the behavior warrants.

Most per formance buyers , exper ienced and inexperienced, can achieve success with Belgians as they are so smart and make it look so easy. However, ultimately, the choice of a puppy made for the performance buyer, achieved by the sharing of information, experiences and expectations between the breeder and potential owner, along with the breeder’s observations and knowledge of their puppies makes for a great start! Sometimes, mistakes are made in the pairing; all breeders have experienced this. But Belgians are so adaptable and versatile that they generally do well and adjust when their owners/trainers just figure out what makes them tick!

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Selecting a Performance PuppySubmitted by Lorra Miller, Isengard Belgians

There are many aspects to selecting a ‘performance puppy’ for your next puppy or breeding a litter and helping select a promising puppy for an owner serious about competing in one of the performance sports.

While several of the same concerns apply to any performance activity there are venues, such as the protection sports, IPO and Ring for example, that require more stringent selection to find a dog able to succeed at the highest levels. I’ll focus on the traits I like to see in a promising puppy for AKC agility, obedience, rally and herding; a puppy that most trainers could take home and train successfully.

I have often heard “titles don’t matter” or “big name trainer can put a UD on any dog”. And that is true, to an extent. I’ve seen dogs with advanced titles that have taken many years of committed training to achieve. I do know trainers who can take dogs with a wide range of characters and earn HITs. Personally, the reason I chose a Belgian Sheepdog to begin with was because I wanted a dog that would be fun to train, I just don’t want to work that hard for a title!

As a breeder I am often placing puppies that are only 8 weeks old. I observe them from the time they are born, how they react to changes in their environment, visitors, sounds and sights. I still find it very valuable to temperament test my litters in as standardized a manner as possible. Not because I can say that a puppy with a certain score is guaranteed to be a HIT winner but because

it helps me clarify my observations about each puppy and helps me communicate with prospective owners. Taking a puppy away from its littermates, and putting it in an unfamiliar room with a total stranger, and observing its reactions shows a side of its character that may not be obvious when together with its littermates.

First a performance puppy should be environmentally sound, it will be asked to compete in a wide variety of environments. What does that mean?

• It should not be fearful of loud sounds or strange sights.

• It should not be fearful of new people. • It should not be fearful of new surfaces.

It is normal for a puppy to startle and react to new things but it should recover quickly and return to normal behavior. Belgians are a more sensitive breed than your average Labrador for example but some are overly sensitive. I would rather spend my time training a good recall than working through a significant fear issue beyond normal socialization. Starting off with a sound stable puppy will save much time and frustration down the road.

Second a performance puppy is easily motivated. Three of the most common motivators I look for are:

• Food – Most training methods use food rewards, it is helpful to start out with a puppy that is food motivated. Some puppies are excited about food from a

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very young age and for some food just is not that important.

• Toys – Many trainers use toy based training methods and tugging as a source of arousal and reward. Some dogs are ball and Frisbee crazy and that reward can be very useful in building a fast and animated performance. I look for a puppy that likes to play tug and I can easily get to interact with toys.

• Willingness to please – Most Belgians form a strong bond with their owners and a desire to please them and respond to praise. Some are more independent. I look for a puppy that responds enthusiastically and consistently when I call and gets excited when I play and praise it. It has good eye contact and attention.

If you start with a puppy that is motivated by food, toys and praise you are in luck! Yes, you can build all three and, chances are you will need to build up one area, but I would rather start with a puppy that has at least two motivators.

OK, you have a puppy with no fear issues, likes food, toys and gets excited when you praise it. At this point you can probably easily train this puppy. But there are several other factors that can be very important: persistence and focus, arousal and excitability, resilience and sensitivity. The right balance point for all of these is in part personal preference. You want arousal for speed in agility but not so much that it loses focus. You want a dog that doesn’t quit herding if corrected to stay off the stock but you do want it to realize it was corrected.

Some trainers are better with a high drive, high energy, highly resilient dog and some enjoy training a more sensitive, calmer and more focused dog. Getting the right match between puppy and owner is the most essential element in a successful placement! Potential owners need to be clear on the traits that are most important to them and be honest with the breeder as to experience level, training methods and goals. Good communication between owner and breeder cannot be stressed enough.

Structure is very important. Performance puppies need to be sound. I have had puppies with less than ideal structure go into homes that later ‘caught the bug’ and ended up competing with their dogs successfully at advanced levels but they use extra care in how they train and compete with their dog to maintain soundness. Everyone knows dogs with poor structure that have been successful performance dogs but they often have shorter careers, more injuries or their owners take extra care to condition and maintain their soundness. You want to start out as much as possible with a well-constructed puppy with good angulation front and rear that is balanced with strong pasterns and hocks.

There are no ‘perfect puppies’ and the puppy that is ‘perfect’ for one owner might be a problem dog with another owner. Some traits don’t show up until later in life, you are making decisions about the future potential of an 8 week old puppy. Sometimes you just have to let the dog lead you on the right path for you to be a successful team. You may have wanted a competitive herding dog but agility is where the dog shines brightest or vice versa.

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Working and Playing Together in Agility

By Christian Eckhoff

Owning a Belgian as a companion dog can be a wonderful experience. When I decided to take my new puppy to a local dog training center for some socialization and basic obedience it was the beginning of an incredible journey together. It has turned me into a skilled dog handler and trainer. And my dog, with his innate desire to work and please his owner, developed into a dependable partner and confident team mate who has set new standards for AKC Belgian Sheepdog Agility.

Lakota is my third Belgian. Well, I must qualify that. He is my wife’s third Belgian. I did just fine with Lakota’s predecessors Koty and Kona. I taught them to play Frisbee and ChuckIt, enjoy bike rides, and be mindful of me. Both left us too early. When our new puppy was about to join us in the summer of 2005, I wanted to spend more time with him and get him off to a good start on his way to becoming a great family dog. A friend at work referred me to a local dog training facility. Classes consisted of eight weekly lessons, each one hour long. The tuition was $100, very reasonable I thought.

Our first class was basic obedience. Lakota was about five months old at the time. This class was immensely valuable because it established a ‘working’ relationship between owner and puppy. We learned to pay attention to each other, and ignore all the other dogs and people in the room. We liked having this hour together every week so much that we went back for more advanced obedience classes. Eventually a change was needed because we wanted to do something a bit more exciting than obedience. “They have

agility classes here. I think we’ll give that a try” a friend said. “Okay, we’ll tag along” I replied.

Lakota was about 18 months old when we reported to our first agility class. Same deal as before, classes were eight lessons for $100. I knew nothing about the sport or the competition. I just wanted to continue having that scheduled hour with my dog every week.

I don’t know who was more confused at the beginning, Lakota or me. “What do you mean, cross in front or cross behind?” “Can I see that move again that you want me to make?” “My dog will never learn to go through 12 weave poles.”

To be honest, our first trainer probably wasn’t convinced that we would last long, or that we had much talent. We had a slow start with our weekly lessons. You can’t really learn agility by going to a group lesson once a week, but I didn’t know that at the time. I was a first time handler, which handicapped my dog. But we stayed with the program, and after about eight months of weekly classes, our trainer said that I could consider entering Lakota for his first trial. “You want to show your dog, don’t you?” I didn’t know what to expect, but why not give it a try.

As everybody who is showing dogs knows, practice and competition are two very different things, particularly early on while you’re still ‘green’. On our trainer’s advice we signed up for the ‘Preferred’ class where dogs jump in the next lower jump height class. It took us several months to graduate from Novice Preferred with three qualifying runs in the Standard class and another three in the Jumpers with Weaves class. We were both lacking confidence. I decided to continue at our regular jump height of 24”, which meant that we would have to start over again in Novice. This had the distinct advantage that we could continue to trial on 6, not 12 weave poles as they were waiting for us once we would move to the Open class.

Our casual approach to training and trialing made for slow progress. Weave poles were particularly hard for us. Lakota was almost three years old when we were finally promoted to Open. It had taken us one year to get though Novice, certainly not indicative of future champion material. But we did not give up. We started working harder. I built some PVC jumps and a weave pole set so we could supplement our weekly classes with work at home. We finally began to get serious about working together and figuring out this sport.

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It was at this time (May 2008) that we participated in the BSCA Agility trial in Oregon where we qualified in just one run out of four (those weave poles again). But it was nice watching all the accomplished Belgians!

By the summer of 2008, at just over three years old, Lakota had made it to the Excellent class. Confidence began to develop. Weekly practice became enjoyable because our progress was undeniable. We had moved up into a more advanced practice class, and had gained an understanding of the basic moves on course. Trialing became more frequent, about two weekends per month. We earned our Excellent titles and began to collect coveted ‘Double Qs’, qualifying runs in Standard and Jumpers on the same day, which, along with points for speed, are needed to earn AKC Agility’s highest title, a MACH, short for Master Agility Champion.

To be frank, I never thought that we could get a MACH until the Double Qs started happening for us. After 12 months of regular trialing in Excellent we had earned AKC’s highest Agility title. Lakota was 4½ years old.

At the same time we were ranked #5 BSD for the 2009 AKC Invitational. I could not resist and accepted the invitation for our first national show. In addition to our weekly group lessons we began practicing on our own at a nice indoor facility that we could rent for $8 an hour on weekends. I wanted to make sure that we were well prepared. We also took some private lessons, and participated in a few agility seminars and camps with celebrity trainers. These events came at a high cost, but good training is an investment that will pay lasting dividends.

We did great at our first Invitational, finishing #17 in the 24” class, and as the best BSD at the show. I was beginning to see that we had potential for the future. We were accurate and consistent, but our weakness was (and today still is) a lack of speed. Some of this may be due to Lakota’s disposition. He is a serious guy who is hard to motivate for play. He has no interest in tug toys, balls, or frisbees. He only wants food for rewards. But I believe that my own insecurity as a novice agility handler, and my personal desire to do things right, contributed to shape Lakota’s development into one of the most consistent 24” agility dogs in the country who is most comfortable at a moderate speed on course.

At the 2009 Invitational we met our new trainer who emphasizes speed and fun on the course and who is practically my neighbor! She is one of the top agility handlers in the US and uses a training system developed

by Linda Mecklenburg, a leading trainer and national agility celebrity. Having a handling system is important because consistency is so critical. We learned that realizing a dog’s full potential to learn and perform should be based on playful interaction, not structured, repetitive training. Make practice exciting and enjoyable. Build trust between dog and handler. Have high value rewards available during training. Get your dog excited before you practice. Let him know that you have yummy treats that can be earned, what we call the ‘transfer of value’. Quickly reward for desired behavior. Just move on and try again when the correct behavior was not demonstrated. Use “jackpots”, extended play or many treats given one after another for a job done particularly well. When practicing on your own keep training sessions short, no longer than three minutes at a time. Always stop on a good note while your dog still wants to do more.

The greatest benefit of having a savvy trainer is education of the handler, not athletic training for the dog. You need to learn effective ways of dog training, in general and for agility. You need to understand how to show your dog the way through the course. Developing this skill takes time but it is the most critical part of the sport. During competition the greatest responsibility is on the handler, not the dog. Good handling makes for trusting, successful dogs that can realize their full potential. Inconsistent handling will bring even the best dog down. I see examples of it every weekend.

We’ve had many great successes since that time. Lakota and I now have the confidence of an accomplished team with four years of experience competing in Excellent. Early on Lakota was not excited to go to the trials, probably because he worried that he could fail me. Today he goes crazy when I gather our supplies for the weekend. The Belgian Sheepdog is well equipped to become a successful agility dog. He is intelligent, has an intense desire to please his owner, and is blessed with good athleticism. Lakota is a big guy at just over 26”. I keep him at 60 pounds. Flicka, my female BSD who is 3 ½ years old, weighs 40 pounds. I should be able to train her much more quickly but I keep making excuses about not having enough time for training two dogs. It is a work in progress. I hope that training Flicka will make me a better handler. She would be a great transition dog before the time comes that I will be looking for a new puppy that loves to play and has good potential for building drive and desire to work.

I love how agility sensitizes your dog to your body language, even facial expressions or just a look. It is easy

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for me to communicate with Lakota by just looking at him. I can put him in a sit, or even a down without any words or gestures. Belgians are a very sensitive breed. They know when they have failed you, and also when they should expect a reward. They take plenty of time to grow into confident dogs. Working with your dog helps with this process. Belgians do best with a thoughtful trainer who talks to them in a reassuring voice that should never be harsh. My dogs love it when I sweet-talk to them but I avoid using their names or voice commands much because I will get more attention from them when I need to use a verbal command. During off-leash walks I never call their names, I am convinced they are paying more attention to me when it is their job to keep the party together. Patience, consistency, and fairness are the handler’s best tools to accommodate the Belgian’s sensitivity. Through supervised work with Lakota I have been given the opportunity to learn about this. There is a dog rescue bumper sticker that reads: “Who rescued whom?” This is how I feel about our journey in agility. Who has trained whom?

Other opportunities given to me through our sport have been all the travel and meeting many like-minded individuals, many of whom are now friends. In 2011, we competed in 35 trials, which can be one, two, or three days each. I have gotten to know many new places within a 200 mile radius from home. Lakota’s memory of places, people, and situations is nothing short of amazing. We average about 12,000 miles a year travelling to trials, not counting national shows. Driving is the best way to get to a trial, even if it is two or three days away. We have flown only once, and will do so again for the Invitational in Orlando, Florida, which is just way too far for us to drive from Washington State. Travel with overnight stays seems to bring us closer together every time. We usually choose a budget motel that does not charge extra for pets. I have taught Lakota to stay in the room by himself if I go out for dinner, and I will reward him by sharing some of my food with him when I return. He will stay in the car, but very reluctantly. A soft crate is no match for his fear of separation so we use a wire crate or an airline approved hardshell crate. He is very possessive of me. He protects me as his primary resource at home, often to an extent that gets him in trouble, particularly when he tells the kids in no uncertain terms to stay out of the kitchen when I am working on supper. He believes that he ranks second or third in the family pack, I guess this is because we spend so much time together and he thinks of himself as my “right hand”.

Has it just been good fortune or does Lakota know that

some shows are more important than others? In 17 runs over three years at national shows he has not dropped a single bar, and he qualified in 15 runs. Getting to the finals twice at the Invitational has been a thrill that comes back to me every time I watch videos of those runs. Lakota is a very smart guy and knows the sport very well, but that doesn’t mean that our performance has no limitations. In fact, it has many. It is important for a good handler to understand that only better handling and/or training will produce better results, not blaming your partner. At 7 years old I now practice very little with Lakota to save him from the impact of too much jumping. He has never been injured. I hope we can keep doing what we love for at least two more years.

Whether the goal is high level competition or just a fun challenge for handler and dog to work together as a team, agility is a wonderful way to put the working desire of your dog to good use and provide needed mental and physical stimulation. In the process you will build a better understanding for each other, and be rewarded with a confident dog who will adore you for the structure and leadership you are providing him.

MACH 8 Verseau’s Lakota Sky#1 BSD 2010 and 2012Competed in AKC Agility Invitationals 2009 ~ 20122010 AKC Invitational Finalist2011 AKC invitational – 3rd Place

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GCh. Cibola’s Absolutely Cool At Adagio

"Frio"

Sire: BIS/BISS Am/Can Ch. Isengard’s Joe Cool, RA, CGC, HIC, HOF

(Joey) Dam: BISS Ch. San Brancos Saltarella, HOF (Ella)

Bred By: Anna McArtor & Melinda Andric pic w: j. Nathaniel Horn

Frio is such a fun boy! He is a Group Winner and Multiple Group Placer. He is a proven producer with two litters on the ground. He has four Champion offspring, one a Multiple Group Placer, four more pointed and two of these with Majors. He has a beautiful outline, short level back, lovely neck and head, exceptional character plus many many other qualities. Each year he becomes more handsome and displays the qualities of those dogs in his pedigree. Owned By: CHIC #55059 Melinda Andric Hips BSD-3609G Lockhart, Texas Elbows BSD-1333 (512) 376-0004 Eyes BSD-1833 cibolabelgians@gmail.com

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Ch. Cibola’s Whistler Mountain Run

Judge: Linda Robey

"LINDSEY" Sire: GCh. Cibola’s Absolutely Cool At Adagio (Frio)

Dam: Ch. Cibola’s Coin Toss And Liket (Penny) Bred By: Melinda & Tony Andric

Lindsey took the Conformation Ring by storm! Finishing at just under 11 months of age in four weekends! She finished with five Majors including two Regional Specialty WB’s! With four weekends as a Special, Lindsey is a Multiple Group Placer and finished the year as #18 All Breed! She is a line-breeding of her BIS/Multi Group Placing "Magnum" Planned Spring breeding to: BISS GCh. Images Texas Hold’Em At LaraLee – Ace! Owned By: CHIC #85896 Melinda & Tony Andric Hips BSD-4008E Lockhart, Texas Elbows BSD-1705 (512) 376-0004 Eyes BSD-363684 cibolabelgians@gmail.com

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The BSDRT has received the following donations in the months of November/December 2012 and January/February 2013

FOR RESCUE:

David MacLeodCarole MurphyMargaret GrinolsCynthia Ryder/Tamara HollowayDiana KruglickKurt MartiHarriet JakovinaPamala ClarkPatricia BarrettSteven SzaboVickie DaughertyBarbara Fetty-SoldersThe Byrne FamilyMary StephensThe Morgan Family, in honor of the memory of their mother, Gerry IrvinM. Susaantil Follinstad, in Memory of Kira Tewalt’s “Satchmo”Jim and Kathy HermanGail KennyKathy EckingerSylvia MyerRobin HawthorneNancy SandersGina O’GaraGeraldine Bell KimballGeroge and Jennie CrowderCharlene ModeSue BonnessLynne NarezCatherine LangLlewellyn AllisonCheryl MalloneeKaren AgacinskiRanni & Terry MaddenCarolyn Abramson in honor of “Hera”Tina BayerCatherine TaylorPaula Vanden BoomJohn DanielsonPam SmithLori Sandall Julie HiteAlexis and Kelly HopkinsLynn SouthLorra Miller

The Niemeck FamilyDouglas KahnThea WilkinsCraig Kossuth

Correction to October Donation list:Donation received from Anda Lusis and Mara Foy

Those donors who designate a portion of their eBay sales to the BSDRT.

For Health Research

David MacLeodJulie Fiechter Carole MurphyMaureen FoleyStephanie PriceAlissa LevineHarriet JakovinaPatricia BarrettMarion StarkThe Goddard FamilyLynnette GandlJim and Kathy HermanGail KennySylvia MyerKaren HodgesGeorge and Jenny CrowderCharlene ModeJan ManuelRenee ArtymyshynAnn KozelLynne NarezWendy SommerMargot McKereghanCatherine LangKathy EckingerSharon LafuseMary HunterLinda RolfJohn DanielsonDottie ButlerJulie HiteAnita Meeks-ChambersAlexis and Kelly HopkinsLynn South Linda MizrahiLaverne StoutLorra MillerThea Wilkins

Many thanks to everyone who took the time and effort to donate to the Rescue Trust to further the mission of improving the lives of Belgian Sheepdogs, either directly through the rescue organization or with a vision of the future through support of the health research initiatives. Your generosity is truly noteworthy.

Co-Chairs Sharon Roundy and Susan Spinhirne

The Belgian Sheepdog Rescue Trust is an independent organization. Although the trust may sometimes work in unison with other organizations, it is a stand-alone operation made up of many rescue volunteers. The Belgian Sheepdog Rescue Trust is not related to any other rescue group that may be using Belgian Sheepdog in their organization’s name. For more information, please contact BSDRT co-chairs Sharon Roundy or Susan Spnhirne or visit www.bscarescue.com

DONATION BOX

Make a Donation to Belgian Sheepdog Rescue Trust...

HelpBelgian Sheepdogs

in needPlease send a check made out to“Belgian Sheepdog Rescue Trust”

and mail to:

Rescue Trust TreasurerC/O Marion Heise200 River StreetAvon, NY 14414-1112

Note: The Belgian Sheepdog Rescue Trust is a 501c3 charitable organization. Donations to the Trust may be tax-deductible, depending on the tax status of the donor. Please contact your tax advisor

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Rain Needs An Umbrella Submitted by Susan HoffmanPNW/PSW Area Coordinator

Rain (recently changed from Josey) is a handsome purebred Belgian Sheepdog with an athletic nature. He is approximately 2 years old and weighs 60lbs. He possesses everything that a great Belgian Sheepdog is. He

is loyal, sensitive, and agile. He loves balls and Frisbees and would make an excellent dog for someone who is involved in dog sports or has an active lifestyle. He has been thriving in the care of a professional dog trainer where he is learning structure that engages both his body and mind. He is a happy dog that likes everyone he meets. He settles easily in the house and lets you know when he needs to go out. Rain is crate trained and loves car rides. He is good natured and fearless. To continue his training, Rain needs to be placed with an experienced person who can continue to provide him with consistent training to build a bond of trust. He would do well in a home with a female dog. We do not recommend that he be placed in a home with male dogs. He is not good around small livestock or cats. He would do best as an inside dog in an adult home.

Please contact pnwcoordinator@bscarescue.com for more information.

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I Love Running Agility With My Dogs…

Submitted by Carol Denny, Linda McCarty, and Bob McCarty

CAROL: I love running agility with my dogs. Even when we don’t Q (qualify) there is always something about our run that makes me happy. Saturday, September 17, 2011, was no exception. I entered both Gigi (CH Rolin Ridge’s Glamour Girl RN OA AXJ OF CGC) and my BSCA rescue boy Tux (Resq’s Sharp Dressed Man RA AX OAJ OF CGC TT) in trials held by the Potomac Valley Belgian Sheepdog Club. Thank you PVBSC for hosting the trials!

It was time to run Excellent Jumpers with Weaves. I ran Tux first; he really tried hard for me and had a lovely run with one refusal. That was enough to DQ us but I was very happy with the amount of ‘TRY’ in his heart. That was his only entry of the weekend and I am proud of our efforts. After several other dogs, it was Gigi’s turn to take a crack at the course. Bob and Linda McCarty, who were also running in the trial, were sitting at ringside near the fence. I handed Tux’s leash to Linda as I went with Gigi to the ring gate.

LINDA: When Tux saw his "mom" head for the ring, he started trying to get away by going on either side of my chair back and forth.

BOB: I grabbed Tux from Linda and took him a short distance more towards the side with the ring entrance and sort of hid behind the scorer’s tent so that Gigi wouldn’t see him and be distracted in the ring. While I watched

Carol and Gigi in the ring I felt the leash go limp and I looked down and discovered that Tux had backed out of his collar and was heading for the entrance. I called his name and gave chase but he didn’t listen and headed into the ring with his Mom and Gigi.

CAROL: Gigi was running very well and handling the course like a pro. About 2/3 through the course, I heard Bob yell Tux’s name. Before I could really wonder why, I saw a black blur out of the corner of my left eye and realized Tux had decided to join us! I made up my mind in a flash to keep running and encouraged Gigi to “GO BABY GO”. (any other dog but Tux, I would have stopped Gigi immediately) When Gigi saw that Tux was running to join us, the look on HER face mirrored that on mine, what a shock!

LINDA: I saw both Carol and Gigi's astonished expressions and then it was as if Carol and Gigi's determination went into "overdrive". Everyone was just holding their breath then till the final jump.

CAROL: Thankfully, there were only five jumps left in the course, I pushed Gigi to fly and she responded just like the champion she is. She kept her focus, picked up the pace, and stayed just a hair ahead of Tux. Gigi and Tux actually took the final two jumps together; and thankfully NEITHER of them knocked a bar down. Our judge consulted with the AKC representative and the run was deemed clean. Checking with the scorer’s table, we learned that we were under time and had a Q! This was our first MXJ leg and our very first MACH point. Both dogs got lots of goodies and hugs outside of the ring.

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LINDA: At the last jump, Tux took off a split second behind her and squeezed his big body between Gigi and the jump post, actually making contact with Gigi but they both corrected themselves mid-air and cleared the jump and never touched it. The crowd went wild. There was much celebration afterwards. I'd have to say most people would have stopped, collected their dogs and left. Moral: It’s not over till it's over..!

CAROL: Bob met me at the ring exit with Tux’s collar and leash. I know he too was relieved that Tux’s determination to be with Gigi and me in the ring did not result in a disqualification. I must admit it was QUITE an exhilarating finish!

Information supplied by ATTS Director of OperationsSallyann Comstock, CT

BELGIAN SHEEPDOG - 2011

U-CH BEL-REVE’S JUST THE TICKET 30-Apr-11 TT-392-BS U-RO1, CGC DN 19079106 BETTY A. CAGLEY

ISENGARD’S XCALIBUR 10-Sep-11 TT-393-BS OA, OAJ, PDII, PS II FRANCOISE MAXWELL

CH KLASSIC ALADDIN 16-Oct-11 TT-394-BS CGC, CD, NA, TDI DN 08640105 ANDY & MONICA DAUGHERTY

KLASSIC FALCOR 16-Oct-11 TT-395-BS CGC, CD, TDI DL 82274207 ANDY & MONICA DAUGHERTY

WAR CHANT DE BEAUVOIR 29-Oct-11 TT-396-BS RN, PT, JHD, RL1 DN 15231106 KARIN ANDREEN

Belgian Sheepdogs achieving ATTS Certificates

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LaraLee Belgians

Mia & Tara

Xena & Susan

Stormy

Gaia & Jamie

Izzy & Patricia

Puppies expected late Spring

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LaraLee Belgians congratulates up and coming youngsters!

CH LaraLee's Autumn Isabella (GCH Images Texas Hold'em at LaraLee X LaraLee's Make Me Smartie Lena)

"Izzy" is owned by Nadine Perry & Patricia Barrett & handled by Patricia. She started her show career at 6 months of age winning Reserve Winners Bitch at the Raritan Belgian Sheepdog Specialty and finishing her championship with Best of Winners at the Downeaster Belgian Sheepdog Specialty Show. That same day she went Best of Breed at the Elm City Kennel Club and earned a Group 4 at 17 months of age! Izzy now has 15 GCH points! Health checks not yet done.

CH LaraLee's Autumn Princess Xena (GCH Images Texas Hold'em at LaraLee X LaraLee's Make Me Smartie Lena)

Ch LaraLee's Autumn Princess Xena is owned by Susan Campbell. "Xena" finished her Championship in less than 2 months with two 5 point majors and a 4 point major at 17 months of age. Watch for her to be back in competition soon for Grand Championship points. Health checks not yet done.

LaraLee's Perfect Storm, RN (GCH Images Texas Hold'em at LaraLee X LaraLee's Make Me Smartie Lena)

"Stormy" is owned by Kathy Dreyer and Patricia Randall. When you live in Alaska, there are not many dog shows. In spite of that, Stormy has 6 points and a Group 3 and Group 4 plus his Rally Novice title! Health checks not yet done.

CH Takishan No Cheap thrill PT HT HSAs (GCH Images Texas Hold'em at LaraLee X CH Takishan Straight to the Queen, CD RE)

"Gaia" is bred by Jennifer McCandless, Cindy Herman, Bruce Freedman and Lori Goldstrom and is owned by Bruce Freedman, Lori Goldstrom, Jamie Dixon & Bart Dixon. At 17 months old Gaia finished her championship and started earning her herding titles. Health checks not yet done.

LaraLee's Make Me a Legend V Cibola (CH Cibola's Make Believe LaraLee, RA X CH Adagios All About Me)

"Mia" is owned by Tara Holbrook and Melinda Andric and bred by Laura Patton & Anna McArtor. In her first show at 6 months of age Mia was Winners Bitch for a 4 point major at the Trinity Valley BSD Specialty Show and repeated her 4 point win the following day at the Glen Rose KC Show. Mia is handled by Tara Holbrook. Health checks not yet done.

www.laraleebelgians.com 830.257.6036

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Breeding A Better Performance Dog

Submitted by Terri Votava, “Sans Brancos”

For me, breeding a performance dog starts exactly the same as breeding a show puppy. The first criteria are sound health and temperament, as that should be the basis for any breeding. I evaluate each of my bitches and look at their strengths and weaknesses and document these. I then start my list of potential stud dogs. I pull pedigrees on all of the potential stud dogs and look for any red flags in the pedigree. I then go to the available health registries and document hip and elbow information on the pedigree. I do this not just on the pedigree but also on a horizontal pedigree. I will research for any health issues. I list the strengths and weaknesses of each of them and compare them to my bitch.

You will always see me at the performance events at the National. I am not just cheering on my friends and puppy people but am watching dogs run. I am looking at how biddable they are and how much joy they work with. Are they working to please their owner or working because they have to or only to please themselves? There are some great working dogs out there but in my opinion they are over the top. They will not appear in my pedigree. We have to be cognizant of the fact that you want to breed great performance dogs or great show dogs, but how many puppy people do you have out there that are going to measure up to the dog’s ability. We do have to breed dogs that can live in today’s litigious society. I am also watching generations and seeing if the performance attitude carries over. I do not believe that you have to have titles galore in the pedigree to produce top working dogs. A top working dog requires two very important things,

the dog’s ability to hold up its end and an owner willing to put in the time and the effort. I have owned some great performance dogs that did not have titles or have limited titles only because of my inability to work them from the wheelchair.

I will tell you that as a breeder each of us has our bugaboos or those things we just don’t want to compromise on. For some that is the headpiece, for others it is that perfect picture standing still, for me it is a front followed closely by the rear. I don’t care how gorgeous a dog is standing still if it has straight shoulders and can’t get its feet out of the way, it does not meet our standard. For all people want to talk about outline, headpieces and bite the standard is very straight forward in saying that every fault should be measured against how it will impact the dog’s ability to do what it was bred to do. I have yet to see a dog herd on its head, outline, etc. Please understand I am not saying you can do without type, with no type you do not have a Belgian Sheepdog. There is greater variation and subjectiveness in type than there is in good structure. You must have structure before you can have a performance dog that can withstand the years of training and competition. How many of you have seen great working dogs but they had to be retired by age 5 or limit competition to stay sound? This is the result of a dog having the heart to do performance but not the structure.

I believe that my performance people deserve the best structured dogs I can produce. They will have devoted untold hours in training and work and the goal would be to have a dog that can compete well into double digit age. I do believe that we have to breed the structure, temperament and health but I also believe that as breeders we can have a great influence on the mind and attitude of a performance puppy. Studies in horses have shown that performance ability is only approximately 35% inherited, the remainder is contributed through management, food and training. I have been using DHA with my puppies for well over a decade. It is nice now that it appears in most quality puppy foods. It has long been felt to have a positive influence on brain development. I am also a strong advocate of the Early Neuro Stimulation protocol as used by the Air Force for its dogs. This protocol starts at day 3 of a puppy’s life and goes through day 16. There are a series of exercises developed to stimulate the limbic system of the puppy. This stimulation has been shown to produce puppies who can handle stress and problem solve at improved rates over their non-stimulated counterparts. Their research has also shown that socialization is the 2nd component of a strong program to produce performance animals. It has been shown that this socialization is most

27

important during weeks 4-16. If puppies experience a variety of people and circumstances during this time their performance abilities are enhanced. The Rule of Seven can be used to help with this stage. This is a program for seven different toys, people, places, foods, etc. by the time a puppy is seven weeks old. Again this impacts the socialization component of a program. The third item necessary for creating a performance dog or top show dog is the enrichment phase. Dogs and puppies must be stimulated to produce animals that are in essence comfortable in their own skins and have the ability to achieve. Those who are exposed to brain games, different people and environments continue to learn and expand.

Remember great show and performance dogs are not born they are created by both nature and man. As a breeder the quality of the nutrition, early socialization and genetics are going to impact whether your puppies will be sought as performance dogs. But if they are to be great, it is going to be because you not only gave them a great start but you chose their partner in life to match their needs and abilities. A breeder stares at the babies every day for 8 weeks and hopefully is interacting with them throughout this time span. They also should have had future owners in mind and are matching those puppies to the skill level and needs and wants of those future owners.

The 2013 National marks the 10 year Anniversary of the BSCA’s Future Messenger Dog (FMD) program. Unique celebrations are planned! Look to this column for info and training tips.

We’ve been asked this question about the messenger runs. Which is better, to train the dog for a ‘send’ or for a ‘recall’? For the FMD, the area is often quite small, perhaps the size of an obedience arena. At that level, to cue the dog to run from person to person, either would work fine.

But remember, in the upper levels of Messenger Trials; the dog usually can’t see the person he or she is running toward. In the very upper levels the dog must track the distant handler for one of the legs. You must use a ‘send’. We are hoping to introduce the Junior Messenger Dog (JMD) at the 2013 National. It may not be in an area any larger than the FMD. However, for one leg the distant handler will hide behind a blind while the dog’s back is turned. In this too, only a send will work.

You may (or may not) wish to use a different cue than you use for obedience or agility ‘sends’. One 1947 book on training Messenger Dogs used “Report” to send the dog. Not something you’re likely to use for anything else! Or use “Allez!” French for “Go!”

Get ready to come play with us! Send your questions to Annabelle Cambier: cambiers@msn.com.

A Message for You!

Submitted by The Messenger Dog Committee

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GCh Ch Adagio's Balalaika Prima

"Prima" BISS - Trinity Valley BSC Specialty

January 2013 BOSS - Trinity Valley BSC Specialty

2012 Best Puppy in Sweeps

Belgian Sheepdog Club of America National Specialty 2010 Best Puppy in Show -

Guadalupe Valley KC GCh Whirlaway de Beauvoir x BISS Ch Sans Brancos Saltarella

Prima has been consistently recognized by Breeder and All Rounder judges. She is an excellent representation of the breed and continues in the winning ways of her Siblings, Dam, Sire and Uncles

Breeders Owners Anna McArtor Tara Holbrook 281-217-0929 belbrook@icloud.com Melinda Andric Kathy Sutton 281-352-8225 kathy@mikabsd.com Anna McArtor 512-431-7009 txhorsegirl@yahoo.com

CERF: BSD 349387

OFA: BSD-3902E29F, BSD-EL1604F29

CHIC#: 77502

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Get ready for the JMD!The Junior Messenger Dog (JMD) is the level after the Future Messenger Dog (FMD). You don’t need an FMD to enter the JMD.

The FMD elements are suited to well-mannered Belgians with basic training (sit, stay, recall). The JMD elements are more demanding. The JMD uses the same Rally type course as the FMD, but the dog must work off-lead.

Message Runs are the main focus of the JMD. Familiarize your dogs to wearing collars or vests that hold a message. No specific style is required, just keep it safe.

During Runs, handlers may only ‘send’ the dog, not ‘call’ the dog. Commands like ‘report’, ‘find’ etc. may be repeated and mixed within reason. Names may be used. For example ‘Jet, report to Jack…go Jet’ is allowed.

Runs are not timed. Dogs must wait calmly while each handler takes the message and adds a new one. Dog may have water (but no treats) between legs. Dogs should be under the handlers’ control and wait to be sent.

A Basic Run has two legs. A dog is sent from handler A to handler B; dog returns to handler A. There will be three Runs (six legs) in the evaluation. In addition to a Basic Message Run, the following are some of the elements considered for other Runs:

Dispatch Carry - Dog carries an item by mouth that contains a message for two legs. This item could be an old checkbook cover, coin purse, makeup bag; it must

be free of anything that could be swallowed or considered a choke item. Unusual Ground - This could be a plastic tarp between the two handlers. After being sent, the dog may choose to go over the tarp or go around. The dog should not refuse to be sent because of the tarp. Hidden Handler - This will have four legs which include the Basic Run. On leg two, after releasing the dog, the sending handler quietly moves behind an object a few feet away to hide. On the return to this handler, the dog will need to seek out the handler. We’re planning to use a sunshade for the object for the 2013 National. The handler will sit in a chair inside the sunshade so the dog can’t see the handler. In the photos, a 6’4” man is in the chair.

The JMD Message Runs at the 2013 National will be a Dispatch Carry and a Hidden Handler.

We are really looking forward to seeing you in Wisconsin in 2013.

For more info email:Annabelle Cambiercambiers@msn.com

Ping is Redtail’s Quantum of Happiness

Jolly has a Dispatch (checkbook) in her teeth.

30

Jolly can’t see over the shade tent to the Hidden Handler

Shade tent hides a 6’4” person in a chair

Lenny has empty film can on his collar

Lenny is Ch Sky Watchers Hurricane

CGC FMD TDInc Canine Literacy Partner

Jolly is Skywatchers Ile Dans Le Temps RN TD HT OA OAJ JHD CGC FMD TDInc Canine

Literacy Partner

For more info about JMD please email:Annabelle Cambiercambiers@msn.com

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Glen Rose, Texas, January 4, 2013Submitted by: Anita Meeks

Conformation began with four Sweepstakes entries, all females. We were lucky enough to have a well-known and longtime area Belgian "person" judge the puppies. Danny Brand, our Sweeps Judge, and his wife Margit were, as usual, a joy to see and Danny was pleasant and thorough with the young girls. From his entry, Best in Sweeps was awarded to Lisa Halpain and her puppy from the 6-9 month class.

Nathaniel Horn, our judge for the Regular Breed Classes, had an excellent group of dogs to choose from with Best of Breed competitors including a National Best in Sweeps winner, a National BISS Winner plus multiple Grand Champions and Top 20 competitors. I know we were all glad he was able to thoroughly evaluate all the entries despite a serious case of sniffles.

BEST IN SWEEPSTAKES: Cosmos Avatar v CibolaBreeders: Robin Lane, Melinda AndricOwners: Lisa Halpain, Melinda Andric, Angie Luna

Judge Horn awarded the following:

BOB GCH Adagio's Balalaika Prima GCH Whirlaway de Beauvoir x CH San Brancos Saltarella Breeders: Anna McArtor, Melinda Andric Owners: Tara Holbrook, Kathy Sutton, Anna McArtor

BOS CH Nobility's Hi Voltage CH Don Virgil Del Castel Sardo x CH Erin Ballyclaire Cygne Noir Breeders: Lindsay Meyers, Maureen Gargan, Joann Hodder Owners: Lindsay Meyers, B. Burgess, Joann Hodder

WD/BOW Lagniappe's Diamond in the Ruff Ravenmasque Time Bandit x CH Lagniappe's Be My Valentine Breeder/Owner: Pam Smith

RWD Adagio's Continental Connection Liswyn LaJon's Texas Connection Liswyn x CH San Brancos Saltarella Breeders: Anna McArtor, William Rabenberg, Melinda Andric Owner: Lisa Leffingwell

WB Laralee's Make Me a Legend v Cibola CH Cibola's Make Believe Laralee RN x CH Adagio's All About Me Breeders: Laura Patton, Anna McArtor Owners: Tara Holbrook, Melinda Andric

RWB Liswyn' Z Unexpected Company at Bayview GCH Liswyn's Kosmopolitan x CH Liswyn's Velvet Ribbons Breeder/Owner: Lisa Leffingwell The following were awarded Selects:

GCH Cibola's Absolutely Cool at Adagio CH Isengard's Joe Cool RA x CH San Brancos SaltarellaBreeders: Anna McArtor & Melinda AndricOwner: Melinda Andric

CH Mawrmyth Ultra Unique MikaCH LeBeau Playing with Fire x CH Mawrmyth Lovely LyricBreeders/Owners: Marcy Spalding, Kathy Sutton DVM

Prior to Breed Judging, our Obedience Trial was judged by local friend and judge, Floyd Harding.

HIGH IN TRIAL: Spitfire's Fete Fille Flicka CD BN CGC RN CH Spitfire's Pedernales CD RN CGC HIC TT ROM x Spitfire's Witchie Woman Breeder/Owner: Anita Meeks

After all the judging was completed, everyone participated in a fund raising raffle well managed by Dottie Lee. This is ALWAYS lots of fun with a wide variety of items to choose from. This year, once again, Dottie's efforts were fruitful in fun and funds.

It is also noteworthy that multiple dogs completed their Championships and Grand Championships over the Glen Rose Specialty weekend...

New Champions:

• Lisa's "Connie" - (Continental Connection) - who was also winner of his class at this year's National Specialty and Mister Showman.

• Pam's "Ruffie" - following in his sister's paw steps to finish his Championship at a Specialty

TRINITY VALLEY BELGIAN SHEEPDOG CLUB

Regional Specialty Report

32

New Grand Champions:

• Lindsay's "Voltage" - showed like a super champ at the age of nine years - now a Texas boy after transplanting from Michigan

• Marcy's "Unique" - Character plus definitely having fun with non-stop tail wagging...

I know we are all looking forward to Labor Day weekend and our next Specialty to be held in Monroe, Louisiana. More details to come!

TRINITY VALLEY BELGIAN SHEEPDOG CLUB

Regional Specialty 2012Gallery of Winners

BOB “Prima”

BOS“Voltage”

WD/BOW “Ruffie”

RWD“Connie”

WB“Mia”

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2012 BSCA Regional Specialty

Gallery of Winners cont.

RWB “Zoey”

SelectDog“Frio”

HIT “Flicka”

SelectBitch“Unique”

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Ch Lagniappe's Chien Treu Bleu

"Bleu" Ch Spitfire's Pedernales CD RN HIC TT ROM x Ch Lagniappe's Be My Valentine

(1/2 Bro x 1/2 Sister - 2x Ch Spitfire's Krystal Pistol CD ROM)

Extra attitude, squarely built with excellent structure. Scissors bite, full dentition. Championship completed with 4 Major wins including Winners @ a Regional Specialty

Now with 8 points and 2 Majors towards his Grand Championship

Lagniappe Bleu, Dixie & Ruffy Bred & Owned By: Pam Smith

OFA: BSD3926E28M, EL1625M28, PA2927M, CA95-39M, EYE22-39M

35

New Champions = Sibling s with Showmanship

"Dixie"

"Ruffy"

Ch. Lagniappe's Dixie Queen

Ch Lagniappe's Diamond in the Ruff Excellent structure, confident attitudes, Championships completed with major points from Regional and National Supported Specialties

Grapevine, Texas 817-480-8301 Pamatlagniappe@gmail.com

Can Ch Ravenmasque Time Bandit x Ch Lagniappe's Be My Valentine

1/2 Bro x 1/2 Sister - 2x Ch Spitfire's OK Swing - son of Ch Sundown's Ricochet CD

OFA Eyes: Dixie: EYE5-28F, Ruffy: EYE4-28M. Hips/Elbows/Patellas not done yet planned for Spring 2013

Dixie:

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Canine Gastric Motility Disorders

Submitted by Dr. Rory Friedow

Gastric health is of primary importance to all of us as caretakers of Belgian Shepherds. Increases in gastric carcinoma cases and the frequencies of gastritis, gastric reflux, gastric ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) all have raised our awareness of stomach problems. Many of us are all too familiar with the sounds of our dogs vomiting without knowing a probable cause or having a plan to control it. The topic of gastric health is very involved with many factors to consider. Our discussion will deal only with motility disorders – gastroesophageal reflux, gastric hypomotility and bilious vomiting. Gastric motility disorders are being recognized with increasing frequency in veterinary medicine but still are too often overlooked. Think of how many people you know that take medication for gastritis or gastric reflux. Even in humans who can describe them, gastric symptoms can be really quite vague until you reach the point of vomiting. How often are we missing them in our dogs? Normal gastric motility is the result of the well-coordinated interaction of smooth muscle with neural and hormonal stimuli. Disordered motility disrupts the normal gastric functions of storage and mixing of food and its subsequent propulsion into the duodenum. Diagnosis of motility disorders can be very challenging as it is basically a diagnosis of exclusion; various known causes are ruled out by history, laboratory tests and imaging studies. These studies could include radiographs, barium series, ultrasound and endoscopy.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Gastroesophageal reflux can have varied causes but an oversimplified explanation is that when the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed (esophagitis) it decreases the intensity of the smooth muscle contractions which may allow reflux of the stomach contents into the esophagus. With mild esophagitis there may be

increased swallowing motions, halitosis, salivation and lack of appetite. In more severe cases the dog may gulp, regurgitate, stop eating and show signs that suggest pain in the esophagus such as extension of the head and reluctance to move or lie down. Heartburn pain in humans can be quite intense and it is suspected a similar situation exists in animals. The origin of this esophageal irritation or inflammation can be any disorder that causes acute or chronic vomiting, foreign bodies and other chemical and thermal injuries. Treatment, as in humans, includes dietary modification, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, GI promotility agents, anti-inflammatory drugs and esophageal mucosal protectant therapy. PPIs are drugs that greatly inhibit gastric acid secretion and are used in moderate to severe cases. This class of drug includes omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), and pantoprazole (Protonix). Omeprazole is most frequently used in dogs. H2 receptor antagonists (blockers) decrease the volume of acid available for reflux by also decreasing gastric acid production and are usually effective for mild cases. H2 blockers include ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid). Famotodine has a longer duration of action and fewer side effects, while ranitidine also has a prokinetic effect that is helpful. If the esophageal damage is caused by chronic vomiting, appropriate anti-emetic drugs can be used to control the vomiting and an oral protectant such as sucralfate can be given to coat the irritated esophagus. Dietary changes would include small frequent low-fat meals or a prescription diet.

Gastric Hypomotility

Canine gastric hypomotility will have a clinical presentation of vomiting up food a significant time after consumption (up to 4-5 hours). Once again this condition is common in humans being estimated to occur in up to 4% of the human population and is also considered to be underdiagnosed in our canine population. Vomiting may vary from intermittent to persistent. Other signs

Belgian Sheepdog Health

37

can include nausea, decreased food intake/early satiety, abdominal discomfort, periodic bloating and borborhygmus (rumbling or gurgling gaseous intestinal sounds). Weight loss may result from decreased food intake and /or vomiting of undigested food.

This characteristic delay in gastric emptying may also be seen with mechanical or functional problems. Obstruction of the gastric pyloris may be due to hypertrophic/inflammatory changes, foreign bodies and neoplasia. Any obstructive delay in gastric emptying must be ruled out before consideration of a motility disorder. Primary gastric hypomotility may be due to propulsion disorders (which include gastric smooth muscle problems and abnormal neuronal coordination), electrolyte and metabolic disturbances or secondary to medications. Clinical conditions associated with gastric hypomotility include inflammatory disorders (e.g. chronic gastritis, IBD), infectious disorders of the GI tract (e.g. parvoviral enteritis), gastric ulcers, gastric cancer and chronic gastric dilatation. Metabolic disturbances include low serum potassium, high serum calcium, acidosis, Addisons, diabetes and hypothyroidism.

Treatment of any functional gastric hypomotility disorder would first involve treating an identifiable cause. Therapy then would be directed toward dietary and gastric prokinetic therapy. Dietary management involves feeding multiple smaller meals throughout the day which would allow for less variation in gastric distension and contents. Restricted fat foods are preferred as a high fat content will delay gastric emptying also. Canned foods will break down more readily in the stomach so these are recommended prior to eventually returning to dry foods.

Drug therapy for gastric hypomotility involves drugs with a prokinetic effect. Prokinetic drugs increase the organization, speed and strength of the smooth muscle contractions and ‘move’ the food through the stomach and intestines. Currently the most commonly used prokinetic drugs are metoclopramide and cisapride. The H2 blocker ranitidine and low dose erythromycin are also used.

Bilious vomiting

Bilious vomiting in dogs is a response to bile induced inflammation of the stomach. Other descriptive names include reflux gastritis syndrome and duodenal-gastric reflux. Dogs with bilious vomiting tend to vomit in the early morning after their stomach has been empty for several hours. Some dogs will also vomit mid-day between feedings. Usually these dogs will only vomit once or twice per episode and the content is always a yellow mostly bilious fluid. The dog will become nauseous and uncomfortable prior to vomiting and then seem to feel relief after evacuating the bile. Other than this tendency to vomit you do not generally see any symptoms or effects in your dog. Bilious vomiting results from decreased motility of the empty stomach allowing reflux of bile from the small intestine into the stomach. With nothing to absorb the bile it causes gastric irritation, inflammation and ultimately weakens the stomach lining. Vomiting results when the inflammation and irritation reach a certain point.

Therapy for bilious vomiting should be tailored to each individual dog, considering the timing of the vomiting. Bilious vomiting may respond to the dietary therapy alone including a low-fat quality diet. The dog’s daily intake should be broken up into multiple small meals throughout the day; the last meal to be given at bedtime. The goal is to keep some food in the stomach as much as possible.

If dietary therapy alone is not adequate a prokinetic drug or combination may work. I prefer to start with ranitidine alone and then use cisapride for unresponsive cases. Combinations of medications may be tried and since bilious vomiting is the result of gastric irritation, an intestinal protectant such as sucralfate may be helpful. The duration of therapy varies with the dog and the condition. Some require life-long treatment, while others may be able to stop medication after several months.

Our goal is to improve our dog’s gastric health and their quality of life. If your dog is exhibiting symptoms we discussed, talk to your veterinarian to see if one of the therapies mentioned could give them some relief.

Belgian Sheepdog Health cont’d

38

ReferencesGaschen, Federic P. DVM, Gastrointestinal motility: why it matters, SCIVAC International Congress 2011, Rimini, Italy

Tamms, Todd R. DVM, Diagnosis and Management of Gastric Hypomotility in Dogs, 2012 Lewis and Clark Veterinary Meeting Lecture Notes, S.C. Nebraska

Tamms, Todd R. DVM, Pharmacologic Control of Vomiting, 2012 Lewis and Clark Veterinary Meeting Lecture Notes, S.C. Nebraska

Tamms, Todd R. DVM, Update on Disorders of the Esophagus, 2012 Lewis and Clark Veterinary Meeting Lecture Notes, S.C. Nebraska

Twedt, David C. DVM, CVC Highlights: Don’t miss these commonly misdiagnosed gastrointestinal diseases, Veterinary Medicine, Nov. 2006

Belgian Sheepdog Health cont’d

December 2012 AKC National Report Date: 07/20/2012

Obedience Invitational for Belgian SheepdogsQualifying Period

Starting July 01, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012

Events Processed Through Saturday, June 30, 2012

Rank Name OTCH Points

1 Trouvaille’s TrackerUD OM1 67

2 CH OTCH Avatar’s All A FireUDX OM3 PT 25

3 CH Liswyn’s Uninvited Guest UD HSAs HIAs HXAds 20

4 CH Black Gold Ocean’s Eleven UD RE HT AX AXJ 6

5 Liswyn’s Rough And Ready UDX3 OM2 RE 4

© 2012 All rights reserved. No material may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from The American Kennel Club, Inc. The AKC has made every effort to insure the accuracy of its information. The information provided is “as is” with all faults and without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. In no event shall American Kennel Club be liable for any incidental or consequential damages, lost profits, or any indirect damages even if AKC has been informed of the possibility thereof.

39

Owned by:

Lindsay Meyers, Joanne Hodder, Becky Burgess

Bred by:

Lindsay Meyers, Maureen Gargan, Joanne Hodder

CH Don Virgil del Castel Sardo x CH Erin Bally Claire Cygne NoirCH Don Virgil del Castel Sardo x CH Erin Bally Claire Cygne NoirCH Don Virgil del Castel Sardo x CH Erin Bally Claire Cygne Noir

248.921.7444

NobilityBelgians@gmail.com

Aubrey, Texas

New AKC Grand Champion

BOS Trinity Valley Belgian Sheepdog Club Regional Specialty

Photo by Anita Meeks OFA: BSD-3319E35M-PI CERF: BSD-1583

40

As agility becomes more and more popular, the need to understand and promote good conformation becomes increasingly important. Neither breeders nor exhibitors want to be in a position where a performance prospect is trained to the highest levels, only to breakdown midway through a competition career.

In the recent past many performance prospects came from conformation breeders who, for varied reasons, decided that a specific dog was not suitable as a conformation prospect. As our sport continues to grow, demand is created for dogs that are designed to withstand years of competition, thousands of repetitions, and the mental stresses of competition life. We can influence long-term breeding decisions by becoming knowledgeable, informed purchasers. Exhibitors and breeders need to be aware of structure and how it pertains to the agility dog.

There are several key factors to consider when evaluating structure. Structure can vary from breed to breed, with differing requirements for angulation, depending upon the type of work a specific breed of dog was bred to perform. This discussion cannot address the various breed standards for each and every breed, but rather focuses on characteristics pertaining to most breeds competing in agility today.

Length of LegOne physical characteristic worthy of consideration is length of leg. The length of a dog’s leg from the ground to the elbow should be longer rather than shorter. Adequate length of leg greatly aids a jumping dog. Moderation should be considered here, however, because a dog excessively high on leg has a higher center of gravity and can tend to be less stable. A dog moderately high on leg would be ideal.

The problem with inadequate leg length is twofold. First, small or short legs contribute to a less than desirable weight to height ratio. Second, small or short legs are much less efficient and have to work very hard to propel the body over jumps, through weave poles, and over A-frames.

Rear Assembly and AngulationNext, consider the rear assembly. A dog’s rear should be strong and well-angulated with stable hocks. While good front-end angulation often eludes the breeder and exhibitor, good rear angulation is more prevalent and thus should be relatively easy to find. A good rear can be evident even to a minimally trained eye. A dog with a good rear will automatically “set up” correctly when naturally standing. These are the dogs that self-stack in the breed ring or that stand naturally with rear legs firmly and strongly planted on the ground. The stifle (or knee) is well defined and pleasingly curved. The hock joint is also well defined and the hock itself is perfectly perpendicular to the

Evaluating Structure in the Performance Dog

A

B

Stifle

(Knee)

Hock

Pelvis

Femur

By Nina Plail

41

ground. Any disturbance in rear angulation ground. Any disturbance in rear angulation will bring the back feet either too far up under the dog or too far out behind the dog. Thus, the hock will no longer sit perpendicular to the ground.

Technically, the rear angulation previously described is achieved when a line drawn perpendicular from the ground forms a 45° angle with the stifle bone (angle “A” in the diagram). In addition, the angle where the femur meets the pelvis bone should be 90° (see angle “B” in the diagram). This proper angulation allows the dog to propel himself by reaching up under his body with his rear legs. Technically, this aspect of movement is called “drive” as opposed to front-end movement where the dog “reaches,” extending his front end out before him. Good reach and drive are very

important characteristics for a performance important characteristics for a performance dog and are achieved, in part, through dog and are achieved, in part, through proper angulation.

In addition to the major components of the In addition to the major components of the rear assembly, also consider the feet, which, rear assembly, also consider the feet, which, in several breeds, should be compact. Long in several breeds, should be compact. Long thin toes are subject to injury when they get thin toes are subject to injury when they get hung up on slats and various other perils in hung up on slats and various other perils in the canine performance world.the canine performance world.

Front Assembly and AngulationAt least as important as rear angulation At least as important as rear angulation is front-end angulation. Proper front is front-end angulation. Proper front assemblies are very important to the assemblies are very important to the performance dog. The front end bears over performance dog. The front end bears over half of the dog’s weight as he performs. half of the dog’s weight as he performs. With respect to jumping, a strong rear With respect to jumping, a strong rear launches the dog, but the front end bears launches the dog, but the front end bears the majority of impact while landing. When the majority of impact while landing. When ascending the A-frame, the front end takes ascending the A-frame, the front end takes the initial impact. The front assembly the initial impact. The front assembly also bears significant impact in striding also bears significant impact in striding down and landing when performing the down and landing when performing the A-frame and the dogwalk. Unfortunately, A-frame and the dogwalk. Unfortunately, nice front assemblies are a lot rarer than nice front assemblies are a lot rarer than nice rear assemblies. To complicate matters nice rear assemblies. To complicate matters further, dogs with very nice fronts do not further, dogs with very nice fronts do not reproduce them as readily as other virtues. reproduce them as readily as other virtues. Nevertheless, a better than average front should be a requirement for any serious agility contender. Overly “straight” fronts, as defined below, have caused many talented dogs to end promising careers early.

There are several variables at play, all working together to create the front assembly. When evaluating the front of a performance prospect consider the extent of shoulder layback (placement of the shoulder blade or scapula). Locate the withers and analyze how far back these withers lay toward the rear of the dog. Withers that are situated farther up on the neck of a dog create a short-necked dog, a dog that is also straight in the front. Technically, a line drawn parallel to the ground through the rib cage to the

prosternum (the point of the breastbone) should form a 45° angle with a line drawn from the withers to the prosternum (see angle “C” in the diagram). The shoulder blade (or scapula) is the bone between the prosternum and the withers; so when the angle is appropriate, the shoulder blade lays back toward the dog’s rear, as opposed to a more vertical position. The straighter the shoulder, the more vertical this bone will appear to lay. The bone from the prosternum to the elbow is called the upper arm (or humerus). The upper arm should also meet the same parallel line (through the rib cage to the prosternum) at a 45° angle (see angle “D” in the diagram). Thus, the front assembly is comprised of two 45° angles (angles “C” and “D”), which together form a 90° angle.

It is important to note that full shoulder layback is not achieved until maturity; however, a good degree of layback and angulation should be evident in an eight-week-old puppy. One important thing to remember is that the length of the upper arm should equal the length of the shoulder. One should also note that when a dog is described as having “length of neck” this necessarily means that the dog has good shoulder layback, thereby having a greater number of vertebrae above the shoulder, rather than tucked under the withers.

Editors’ Note: We would be remiss if we did not point out that there is a great deal of controversy regarding the feasibility of 45° shoulder angles in dogs. Radiographic evidence is showing that 30-36° is more realistic. Rather than engaging in that debate here, we would like to quote Pat Hastings from her book Tricks of the Trade, “…do not allow this controversy to become an excuse for not breeding the best you can. Remember, the straighter the shoulder, the shorter the reach.” Whether or not we agree on the existence of 45° shoulder angles, it is certainly a standard worth aspiring to.”

As seen in the diagram, the prosternum is an area where bones meet, angulation is required, and prominence is preferred. Many of the muscles powering the front end attach to the prosternum, and as such, a prominent prosternum should be evident even in a puppy. The prosternum should be an obvious extrusion easily felt when running your hands across the dog’s front. If a dog feels flat between the front legs and the neck then such a dog likely has an insufficient prosternum.

C

Scapula

(Shoulder Blade)

Withers

Upper Arm

(Humerus)

D

Prosternum

(Point of the Breastbone)

42

Structure as an Entire UnitAfter considering the front and rear assemblies individually, analyze them as two pieces of the same machine that will need to work in unison. There is a common belief in canine structure that angulation should be balanced front and rear. When running, jumping, twisting, and turning, the front and rear work together. An overangulated rear with a straight front causes a bouncy, choppy movement because the front legs hit the ground too soon due to lack of extension. This creates a lot of stress on the front and is a very undesirable combination for a performance dog. It would be preferable to have average front and rear angulation than to have fabulous angulation in the rear and average angulation in the front.

Between the front and the rear assemblies are several body parts that are worthy of discussion from a performance standpoint. To begin, the chest should be somewhat broad and the front legs should not be too close together. This allows for lung space and

Nina Plail is a breeder of Shetland sheep dogs and an exhibitor in agility, herding, and conformation. Nina is an AKC agility judge and owns three Versatility Champion Shetland Sheepdogs. Her dogs are competing throughout the country in several venues. She can be reached at sheltieranch@aol.com and maintains a website at www.sheltieranch.com.

aids in endurance. Elbows should not be too close together and should not angle in or out, thus aiding the feet in pointing straight ahead. The pasterns should be strong and only slightly tapering to the ground. Overall body length should be moderate. Too short a body detracts from reach and drive. Too long a body can lead to back problems.

In conclusion, I wish to emphasize that the angles and analysis described are the ideal breed standard for several breeds popular today in the sport of agility. Some breeds require different angulation and value different virtues. Even among the breeds commonly competing in agility, there are no perfect dogs. There are, however, individual dogs within each breed that closely approximate the ideal. By choosing wisely and considering what can and cannot be compromised, performance exhibitors can exert pressure to help ensure that structure is an important variable in breeding programs and that individual dogs chosen for a competition life are physically able to compete for many years after they are trained

to the highest levels. D

Prosternum

Elbows

Belgian Shepherd Hereditary Cataract Study

DNA Samples Needed

A US company, Animal Genetics, is accepting DNA samples from Belgian shepherds with inherited cataracts. The company is studying HSF4 mutations that are known to cause some forms of inherited cataracts in other breeds. Samples are needed from all varieties of Belgian shepherds (Malinois, Tervuren, Groenendael, and Laekenois) affected with anterior cortex, posterior cortex, or posterior polar subcapsular cataracts.

DNA samples can be submitted from cheek swabs or blood. To receive a sample kit or ask for further details, email Caitlin at Animal Genetics: contact@animalgenetics.us. Just note "Belgian Shepherd Cataract Study" in the subject line. All individual results will be held confidentially. Results of the study will eventually be made available to the Belgian breed clubs.

Permission to reprint obtained from the author

43

Pacific North West Pet Expo Report

Submitted by Ramona Kraft, NW BSCA member

On November 3rd and 4th the three Belgian breeds exhibited at America’s Pet Expo in Puyallup, Washington. Patti Strand organized as many AKC breeds as possible and when I got the call I could not say no. Along with my co-chair, Jan Speer, member of the Evergreen Belgian Tervuren Club, who organized the Tervuren and Malinois, we geared up for two days of greeting the public and talking about our breeds. I arranged to have the BSCA’s banner for the Meet the Breeds booth sent out (thank you Gina O’Gara!) and I brought my poster board that we use for our Portland Meet the Breeds in January. We each had Club brochures, and Jan gathered banners and poster boards from the ABTC in addition to a PowerPoint show of all 4 Belgians doing Belgian things. Add in a couple of grooming tables and some colorful table cloths and we had a large and lovely area.

Thank you to the owners and dogs who were able to come and promote our breed: Ruth with Timber; Holly and her three children with Coal; Rachelle and Kennedy; Kim with Carter and Annette with Santana. They were all beautiful and friendly canine ambassadors. My thanks also, to all the Terv and Mal folks who brought their lovely dogs out. Unfortunately, our one Laeken was not able to attend. It was a good two days of showing the public our canines. It was a very well-run event. We are looking forward to participating next year.

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BSCA News - Area Reporters

NortheastBarbara Swisher ... BswisherB@aol.comMaine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia

SoutheastTerri Ann Votava ... sansbranco@windstream.netVirginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico

MidwestViola Dyer…epictylz@sssnet.comNebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Kentucky

Rocky MountainGail O’Neil ... ONeilGN@aol.comIdaho, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota

SouthwestKathy Roberts… skywatch@citlink.netArizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii

Pacific NorthwestPenny King … pennysemail@yahoo.comAlaska, Washington, Oregon

Please contact your area reporters for information on Brags for the Newsletter. They will notify you of due dates for Brags for future Newsletters.

Pacific NorthwestPenny King, pennysemail@yahoo.com

From Susan Hoffman: Bebe and I vacationed in Texas in early December. Bebe picked up two more points toward her championship under breeder judge Ms. Linda Robey in Conroe, Texas. On December 7th, Bebe completed the requirements for her Rally Novice title. In January, we headed down to Washington state, where Bebe picked up her last point toward her championship under Judge James Reynolds. She is now known as CH Black Ice’s Bebe RN CGC FMD.

From Andy McGregor: Allie (PACH4 Black Ice’s Alpine Allure RN MXP10 MXPC MJP16 MJPS2 PAX4) earned her PACH 4 in early January. She is the 13th dog to achieve the AKC PACH4 title, and as of late January she ranked Number 8 in total points earned on the lifetime All AKC-Recognized Breeds in agility PACH competition.

From Penny King: The fur-family made an appearance at the Rose City Classic this January in Portland, Oregon. We had an amazing time!Daddy Brodhi (AKC/CKC MBISS MGrpW GCH Isengard’s Oncore CD RN HSAs STDs HDA1s HDAT1s RLF1s CGC TDI BSCA HOF) was entered in the Veterans Sweepstakes as well as the Regular Veterans class at the BSCA Regional Specialty (only entered the one day). He had a great time, bouncing and hamming it up…..and came away with Best in Sweeps Veteran! He wasn’t done yet…he won Best of Breed at the specialty from the Veterans class! Bred by Lorra Miller/Isengard- Owned by Penny King & Lorra MillerSon- ‘T’ (Verseau’s Presumed Innocent) had a great run with 3 out of 5 days going WD for nice points! ‘T’ has not been shown since the National in California. We had some serious work cut out for us…because bad momma has completely neglected his training – he is just the farm dog and goes everywhere off-lead and as he pleases. Once we got the “beardie bounce” out of him…he did ok…lol! Bred and Owned by Penny King and Ramona Kraft.Sister Indy (CH Verseau’s Passage to India OA AXJ) had not seen a show ring since she finished well over a year ago (she’s been busy burning up the agility rings with Andy!) Indy slipped into the ring like an old pro! She picked up a BOS, Two Selects and a BOB and GROUP TWO!! So proud of TEAM INDY!! Bred by Penny King and Ramona Kraft. Owned by Andy and Susan McGregor, Ramona and Penny.

From Shelly Brosnan: The end of December, Dharma (GCH Mika’s Pye-chedelic CD RE PT NA NAJ NF CGC) and I went to play in a NADAC trial for a day. We came home

News of Our Members

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45

with a 1st place Novice Chances leg (our first venture at this distance/handler game), plus a 1st place Open Standard leg. Then, at the Rose City Cluster we had a blast! Wednesday was our BSCA Regional Specialty. First we participated in Open obedience, where Dharma went first place, earning our first CDX leg. Then, we raced over to groom for conformation. It was a lovely entry with dogs coming from California, Washington and Canada. I was thrilled to have Judge Sandi Weldon pull us out onto the center mats, and then point to Dharma for Best of Opposite. A little later, Ramona informed me that we had also gone High In Trial Belgian Sheepdog! Wow! What a day for me and my great girl!

Switching gears, Thursday and Friday we picked up two 1st place Novice FAST legs, finishing her title. Back into the conformation ring on Sunday, Dharma earned a Select Award for our Supported Entry. I love the Rose City Cluster; it is always a fun, action-packed show full of good-times and friends. News from California, Nevada, Arizona, and HawaiiKathy Roberts, skywatch@citlink.net

Lorra Miller wrote: I took Isengard’s Dare up to the Portland shows. At the Specialty she was Best in Sweeps and RWB. She was WB at the next four shows going BOW 3 out of 4 days at 8 months old for 14 points. She just needs one point to finish. She had a great time at the Meet the Breeds booth meeting new people and flirting with the Belgian boys.

Jamie Dixon wrote: January 2013 has been our month. First at the Palm Springs Kennel Club shows, Gaia was WB BOW and BOS on Saturday for a 4 point major and WB BOW on Sunday for a 3 point major and her championship. She was owner handled all the way and only 16 months old. Then over the next two weekends at the San Diego Classic series, she earned her HSAs title in 3 straight runs which included a First and a Third place in Started sheep and her AHBA JHD title in straight runs. She has consistently received great compliments from all her judges. Gaia is now CH TakiShan No Cheap Thrill HT PT HSAs JHD. Her dam is CH TakiShan Straight to the Queen CD RE and her sire is BISS CH Images Texas Hold’Em at Laralee. Our boy Bomber has been busy as well. At the Palm Springs shows he was RWD on Sunday. Then at the San Diego Classic he earned his first leg for his Started Sheep title. He also earned his AHBA JHD title in straight runs. At eighteen months, Bomber is a big guy who has lots of drive and energy. He received the same comment consistently, “That’s a lot of dog”. Fortunately, we have access to a great instructor who feels that he will become a great herding dog, if I can keep up with him. Bomber is TakiShan Stealth Bomber HT PT JHD. His dam is CH TakiShan Runner Runner PT HSAs and his sire is BISS GCH Chargany’s Voyageur.

Kaye Hall wrote: My puppy Flair (Genie du Flair du Volant TD), got her TD! Bred by Chris Libbs, sire owned by Peggy Richter. Flair did a beautiful job at the TRACS test in Sacramento, last track of the day because she was in season.

Felicia Patterson wrote: Ricky (GCH CH Adagio’s Beastie Boy HSAs CGC) received Select two days, Best Opposite, and Best of Breed in Portland this year, proud of Ricky and Shawn.

Cathie, Elisabeth and Irene Rossman wrote: Maverick (CH Spitfire’s Gentleman Gambler BN RN PT HSAs CGC TT HIC FMD) and MS Dixie (Blue Lake’s Nevada Showgirl) joined their buddy Jonas (Delark Spur of the Moment CD RA HT TT) (Elaine Staveley & Valla Hurt) at the Golden Gate Kennel Club benched show (January 26-27, 2013) for their annual “Mini Meet the Breed” weekend. This was MS Dixie’s first time at the Cow Palace while Jonas and Maverick are old hands (4th year for the boys). She had a great time meeting folks and was very happy to take naps in her crate between meeting and greeting. Jonas and Maverick tried the obedience ring this year and Jonas walked away with his CD. Maverick found out what he still needed to learn for Novice – better luck (skill) next time. Maverick and Cathie also appeared in the Breed ring and according to their handling trainer did a good job representing the Belgians in the Group ring both days. This was the first year that Irene missed being at the show due to a conflict with her weekend graduate degree program.

Midwest NewsViola Dyer, epictylz@sssnet.com

Sharon Roundy and Rainey, (Bonntymes O So Devine CGC RN) finished 2012 earning a new Therapy Dog Incorporated (TDI) as Rainey passed the final evaluation required by Therapy Dogs Incorporated to become a therapy dog. ‘Rainey loves the attention she gets from the residents at the various assisted living and nursing homes nearby so we expect to be out visiting as often as her schedule allows.’

Sherri Swabb is proud to report that Jackson (GCH Sarron Simply Complicated) finished 2012 as the Top Owner Handled Belgian Sheepdog. He also placed #11 Over All for All Breeds in Owner Handled Dogs in 2012! Not only was he Owner Handled this year - he was Breeder-Owner-Handled to these wins!! Very Proud of Jackson in 2012! He also started out the 2013 Owner-Handler Series with 2 Owner Handler Group 1’s!!! In Kalamazoo, Michigan, November 3rd and 4th, 2012!

Koby and Karin Andreen went on a rally spree the last few weeks of 2012 and were able to finish his RAE at the Skokie Valley trial in Chicago, and his APDT RL3 title in Chicago the following weekend. So pending confirmation, he’s now URO2 Original Navajo of Dark Brightness RAE RL3 ASCA RN CW-SR CW-ZR1!

46

Breeze (CH San’s Branco’s Best Bet CD BN RE NAJ) and Alissa Levine started the new year with a trip to Michigan for the shows in Novi, coming home with not only back to back Best of Breed and Best Owner-Handler wins, they made the cut in the group ring on Sunday then moved to the Owner-Handler ring for a third place in the herding group!

Beth Jones and C’Saxoon De Salte Cabre got a passing score for French Ring sport in level FR2. The event was Southern California All Breed Ringers on January 26th, 2013, in Long Beach, California, with judge: Sr. Jose Herran Gudino (Mexico) and Decoys: Oscar Mora and Cary Petersen. You can enjoy a video of their work at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B66GJgGyflo&feature=youtu.be Beth wanted to be sure we know that, “Saxoon was not the only Belgian Sheepdog trialing at this trial. I want to congratulate Chris Libbs for passing her brevet with Fuzion des Fes d’Ebene... that would be the 10th Belgian Sheepdog in the USA to obtain a Brevet in the ring sports (I include French ring and Mondio Ring in total because they are sister sports and titles/legs/scores can cross over and are recognized by both organizations). It was a good day for the Belgian Sheepdogs.”

Lise Mason and her crew have not been idle. She sent a quick note reporting, “Jasmine completed her MACH3 in December at the ripe age of 12 and is now CH MACH3 Phoenix Empress of the Night VCD2 UDX2 RN OF HIC

Can OTCH. Also, Roxie completed her MXJ at the same trial in December and is now Sans Branco N Kindreds Anytime Anywhere AX MXJ.”

Here in Canton, Ohio, Deux and Viola Dyer finished 2012 with a trip to the AKC Agility Invitational where they started the weekend with a qualifying Time 2 Beat run and ended their time in Florida with a total of three clean Invitational runs. Viola reports, “Deux would have had a fourth clean run, but a handling error on my part in the final hybrid round cost us 5 pts and moved her from 26th going into round 4 to her final standing at 36th in a very large 120+ 24” class.” Deux went on to start 2013 helping Viola’s 50th birthday be especially memorable by earning the final points needed for her MACH2 on February 2nd! She is now MACH2 Epic’s Bon Deux HSAd MXS MJC OF NAP NJP WDX-C BSCA Agility HOF. Not to be left out of the celebrations RiaLea earned her 20th Double Q from the Preferred class to complete her PAX the following Saturday, February 9th, making her now CH Epic’s Azria Lea PT MX MXJ NF MXP2 MJP2 PAX WD-C BSCA Agility HOF.

And Cathy Vella noted that while it was reported previously that Remy finished his Herding Started A Course Duck title last fall, I failed to report he did this earning placements with each of the three legs! He is now GCH Epic’s A Chance To Remember RN HSAd.

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EDITORIAL POLICY

Belgian Sheepdog Newsletter is a bimonthly publication of the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America, Inc (BSCA) published in the interest of Belgian Sheepdogs and their owners and enthusiasts. The views, articles and advertising appearing herein do not necessarily reflect the attitude or policy of the BSCA, its members, officers, board of directors or editor.

The BSCA and this publication are not responsible for errors and/or misrepresentations in advertising. Articles contained herein may not be reprinted without permission from the BSCA and its author.

All advertised dogs must have either OFA and current CERF numbers, or their equivalent, or give an explanation for the absence (e.g. OFA too young). If this criteria is not met, the advertising material will be returned. Whelping Box listings and ads announcing litters must have OFA and current CERF numbers or their equivalent for both sire and dam. These restrictions do not apply to memorial advertising or for any dog that is deceased.

Letters to the Editor are welcomed; however, only one letter from the same writer addressing any issue will be printed. No letter to the editor will be published that maligns any member or their dog, cites general or specific accusations of misconduct, BSCA or AKC violations, cruelty to animals or breeding malpractice or can in any way be construed as defamatory. Such letters will be returned to their writer with the suggestion that attempts to rectify the problem should be made on a one-on-one basis or the writer may submit a formal complaint to the BSCA Board of Directors for mediation.

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Original photos may be mailed to the newsletter editor for scanning or mailed on a disc with payment.

If you are emailing your completed electronic ad, send as an attachment to newslettersubmissions@bsca.info. Photos for your ad should be sent separately and multiple photos can be sent better in separate emails and sent as attachments and identified in the body of the message.

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Cathie RossmanBSCA Newsletter Editor1781 Fish Springs RoadGardnerville, NV 89410-6694

When you send your ad electronically, accompanying your Ad Order and payment with a printout is very important. Even if we see your ad as it first comes through into the BSCA email box, we have no idea if it has come through correctly. Since electronic files can get corrupted in transmission as well as when taken from program to program, if advertisers would just send the editor a hard copy with their payment and order, disappointments would be avoided. Without sending a print out of your ad, you are trusting to fate that it will be published correctly because we have no idea how you planned it to look.

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Thank You, Your Newsletter Team.

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PICTURES!THE SPECIALTY ISSUE

WANTS YOUR PHOTOS!

You won’t want to miss out on all the “picture fun”

happening at the big event

More Fun...a Photo Contest!

Categories

Who traveled the MOST miles to get to Wisconsin...(hint: take a picture of your license plate OR airline.)

Best Packer or Worst Packer...(what will YOU have strapped on your roof?)

What is the strangest thing you brought with you? (Remember....these photos will appear in an upcoming issue of the newsletter.)

Make your own category!(Send your favorite photo and you choose the subject!)

Don’t forget to pack the camera so you can send your best

pictures to me...Sherry Hanley...your Specialty Newsletter Editor at:

fuzzybadge38@msn.com

The Specialty

Newsletter Editor

is counting on you

to share your special

moments caught on

camera. All event photos

are encouraged. Capture

our belgians in action.

Your candid photos tell

a great story of the

Specialty Experience

that can be shared by

everyone. So please snap

away and send your best

to your Editor!