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March2019

Newsletter of the

Established 1974

Note: Articles appearing in this Newsletter are considered to be of interest to our readers and do not necessarily express the opinions of the Committee of Editor of the S&DODC Inc. Who accept no responsibility for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers in this Newsletter.

THE GROWLER

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SHEPPARTON & DISTRICT OBEDIENCE DOG CLUB Inc. Inc. No. A0017293M

PO Box 6230, SHEPPARTON VIC 3632

LIFE MEMBERS Derick DEANE Vern DEARICOTT Paddy DEANE

Anna HATTON

Cath GRIFFITHS

Barbara STADING

Sue POLKINGHORNE

Val BIRCHELL

Dianne PELL

David BIRCHELL

Merie HOSIE

Malcolm MCLEOD

Marie MCLELLEN

Olive BARKAUKAS

Marg DELAI

Paul GEESON

Fred MURLEY

Kath MURLEY

Les BESWICK

Elva BESWICK

Julie RAFFERTY

Iola IBRHAIM

Chris THOMSON

Sharon ALLEN Sharon VAN BUUREN

Darryl WALKER Leigh WILLIAMS Helen VERNON

OFFICE BEARERS AND COMMITTEE 2018/2019

President: Paul O’Bryan 0418 114 910 (no calls after 8pm please) Vice President: Darryl Walker 5826 6378 (no calls after 8pm please) Secretary: Jillien van Bommel Assistant Secretary: Donna Sharp Treasurer: Daniel Mitchell Committee: Sharon Allen, Kerryn Buckley, Sharon Daivis,

Marg Delai, Cheryl Jones, Robyn Masterson, Julie Rafferty, Helen Vernon, Leigh Williams

Trial Manager: TBA Trial Secretary: TBA Property Steward: TBA Editor: Jillien Van Bommel

Class Times

Beginners/Newcomers and Novice and above Classes: 9.00am to 9.45am

Intermediate and CCD Classes: 9.45am to 10.45am

Every Sunday – Beginner Class: 9.00am – 9.45am

1st Sunday Fun Agility 9.45 am (Beginners 9.00 am & Intermediate 9.45 am class only Obedience, no other obedience classes)

2nd Sunday Obedience 9.45 am to 10.45 am, Committee meeting 11am

3rd Sunday Obedience 9.45 am to 10.45 am, Agility/Rally-O 10.45am to 11.45am

4th Sunday Obedience 9.45am to 10.45am, Graduation practise: 10.45am to 11.45am

Heat Rule When the weather forecast for Sunday by the BOM for Shepparton is 36 deg, or above as declared on the prior Saturday night, there will be no training on Sunday morning even if the weather forecast is revised.

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PRESIDENT’S PAGE

Firstly, a warm welcome to all our new Members, we hope you find your time here at the Club enjoyable for both you and your companion. Did you know we aren’t JUST an Obedience Club; our instructor base has a diverse range of skills! If you want you and your dog to learn any of the below stick your hand up say hi to Leigh Williams and we can get you started, who knows you may even catch the bug to do it competitively. Time spent with your dog is always rewarding and grows the bond between us. What we can teach. Agility – Ever seen Fido race through a tunnel over a hoop across a beam etc. and back to the

finish and thought MY DOG COULD DO THAT! Well that’s Agility. Obedience – From family companion dog levels up to obedience champion level, ever wonder

how to get a dog to stay while you’re out of sight 5 whole minutes, or to refuse food? Ask us how! Scenting – the fine art of detecting different odours. Have you ever seen the TV show send in the

dogs? Same deal! Tracking / Track & Search. Depending on the level being done; in a nutshell the dog follows the

scent of a “lost person” over varied distances in the bush & paddocks and at higher levels through town reserves, streets & parking lots to find the person while having to indicate any “dropped” items – Think police dog squad.

Rally O, A different more loose and fun obedience style, involves spins, and circles and sometimes even giddiness but very enjoyable for the dog and handler – We can teach you this up to champion levels too!

Dances with Dogs (DWD) as the name goes, you guessed it. Teams put together a dance to music and its entirely based around how much fun you have and how well synchronised the pair of you are.

I’ve seen German shepherds do dancing, and King Charles’s do tracking a dog is a marvellous adaptive animal there are no limits to what a team can accomplish; I can only encourage you to get in, get going and do some enjoyable stuff with your doggo’s, the rest as they say is up to you! Club matters. The fridge and a new laptop for office use have been bought to assist us move into the digital age, I’d like to thank the Committee and Members for their support on this issue. The drafting of the new Club Constitution and By-laws has been finalised. At last week’s Committee meeting the working group Sub-committee advised that two documents have been developed that should fulfil the Club’s needs. The Committee also has voted to schedule an outdoor Special General Meeting (SGM) on the 12th of May 2019 to enable as many people as possible to vote on the above items and we have also added a voting item onto that Agenda for reaffiliation with Dogs Victoria as mentioned in last month’s Growler. The Constitution and By-laws (both new and old) will be made available in the club house and online via the Website for review for at least 21 days prior to the SGM. Some Members of the Club will be very passionate in their support of, or in advising against reaffiliation. As President I know that all Members will do what they think is right. I ask that you cast your vote in good conscience and only after you have reviewed for yourself both the pro’s and con’s. Finally, with the trial scene starting to get going for the year, we do have a small but dedicated instructor base which may get light on some weekends with people away, therefore if you can assist or help with anything around the Club the help will be more than welcome, just ask a Committee Member what you can do to be more involved with YOUR Club. Happy training Paul

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that a Special General Meeting of the Shepparton & District Dog Obedience Club Inc. will be held on the club grounds on the 12th of May 2019 at 11am. The objectives of the meeting are: 1. To consider a proposed Constitution and, if approved via special resolution adopt the

proposed Constitution. Copies of the proposed and current Constitution can be found online on the S&DODC’s Website and in the club rooms. Hard copies can be available upon request. An explanatory note regarding the proposed new Constitution will be posted in the club rooms/notice board and will also be available online. The proposal to bring the Constitution up to date with current legal requirements is supported by the Committee.

2. To consider revised Club By-laws and, if approved via special resolution, adopt the proposed revised Club By-Laws. Copies of the proposed and current By-Laws can be found online on the Club’s Website and in the club rooms. Hard copies can be available upon request. An explanatory note regarding the proposed new By-laws will be posted in the club rooms/notice board and will also be available online. The proposal to bring the Club Rules to a more robust standard is supported by the Committee.

3. To consider and, if approved, proceed with reaffiliation with Dogs Victoria (Victorian Canine Authority (VCA)). Information regarding the proposed reaffiliation with Dogs Victoria shall also be posted online via the Club’s Website and upon notice boards in the club rooms.

Note: All Members are encouraged to attend. Only Life and Financial Members of the Club over the age of 16 may vote. The use of proxies is not allowed. Voting shall be determined via a show of hands and upon a vote of not less than three quarters as per the current constitution with two persons to tally votes and cross check. Items listed are to be voted on in entirety not on a line item basis. Discussion of items during the SGM may be limited/restricted by time limit per person to enable the meeting to progress in a reasonable manner and enable others to be heard.

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SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA of the Shepparton and District Dog Obedience Club Inc.

12th of May 2019 at 11am

1. Welcome address by President/Chairperson

2. Apologies

3. Discussion on proposals:

a. Club Constitution. b. Club By-laws. c. Reaffiliation with Dogs Victoria.

4. Voting on resolutions:

a. Resolution/motion to accept and adopt proposed Constitution as published in its entirety.

b. Resolution/motion to accept and adopt proposed revised By-Laws as published in their entirety.

c. Resolution/motion to reaffiliate with the Victorian Canine Authority (T/as Dogs Victoria).

5. Closing statement by President/Chairperson Note: All Members are encouraged to attend. Only Life and Financial Members of the Club over the age of 16 may vote. The use of proxies is not allowed. Voting shall be determined via a show of hands and upon a vote of not less than three quarters as per the current constitution with two persons to tally votes and cross check. Items listed are to be voted on in entirety not on a line item basis. Discussion of items during the SGM may be limited/restricted by time limit per person to enable the meeting to progress in a reasonable manner and enable others to be heard.

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Constitution and By-Laws explanatory note from the Subcommittee

The existing Constitution whilst updated periodically was not currently fully compliant with the Incorporations Reform Act 2012.Being so old and without revision having been conducted we could not guarantee the Club was compliant with the requirements of the current Act. A Subcommittee was formed following the AGM last year to review and develop an updated compliant Constitution that would serve the Club as the cornerstone of the Club in the years ahead. The Subcommittee reviewed many other Club’sConstitutions to formulate the proposed Constitution that we felt best suited our Club’s needs.

The existingBy-laws covered a few items better placed into or already covered in the new Constitution after the 2012 Reforms. A gap analysis was also conducted to bring those more into line with where they should be, condensing and in some cases expanding upon sections to provide clarity. Some of the existingBy-laws being used had never been documented and this is now formalised in writing. The new By-laws also cover issues from the current technological age like social media, code of conduct, heat, and training. The revised By-laws as proposed; in our opinion will be a robust system used to govern the activities of the Club in the future.

Regards Constitution & By-law Subcommittee (Paul, Darryl, Jillien & Kerryn)

WELCOME TO THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS

Please remember to wear your name badge each week. This is the only way

instructors get to know your name as they have no problem recognising your dog.

Member: Dogs Name: Breed of Dog

Sandra & Alyssa Snelling Kiki & Juicy Jack Russell

Anne Crook Toby Border Collie

Eliza Phillips Betty Poodle x King Charles

Peter Birnie Misty Papilion x

Mark Pungitore Paralora Husky

Yvonne Kartner Cadence Golden Retriver

Glenys Miles Bailey Standard Poodle

Judy Burns Cooee Poodle x

Sarah Clack Lenny Groodle

Alan & Anne Davies Roxy German Short hair pointer

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Message from the Editor

This is your newsletter so if there is a topic you would like us to include in the newsletter or you ever find articles, photos and other related documents please email them through to the Club’s email address: sheppartonobedience@gmail.com

Put your teaching hat on

Are you interested in becoming a trainer? We are always looking for enthusiastic people who would like to become a trainer, or even a “helper” for those busy days. An ideal dog trainer is an enthusiastic person who relates well to other people and their dogs and has the capacity to attend regularly. Learning how to train your dog is a great way to increase your knowledge and skills when it comes to your own dog too!

Club Calendar April - July

Date Particulars

14th April General Meeting 21st April No Training Easter Weekend 28th April The Growler – April issue 12th May General Meeting 12th May Special General Meeting 11am OUTDOOR Event, all

current financial members encouraged to attend 19th May The Growler – May issue 9th June General Meeting 16th June The Growler – June issue 14th July General Meeting 21st July The Growler – July issue

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for all your pet care needs

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Dogs Are Not People! Understanding the Differences Between People and Dogs by Justine Kay

Dogs are not people. It may seem like an obvious observation, but so many people make the mistake time and time again of expecting their dog to act and think like a person. They attribute human traits and emotions to these noble animals and thus undermine their whole relationship, sending confusing signals and stressing the dog.

Remember, the dog is an animal. Yes, even your cute little friend who curls up on the sofa next to you and loves to have his tummy tickled. He's an animal, and he MUST be treated as such to give him a healthy, fulfilling life. Small dogs are particularly prone to being treated as children or babies and this can lead to a multitude of behavioural problems, not to mention confusion and misery for the dog.

Firstly, let's look at the exchange of love between ourselves and our dogs. Most of us love our dogs and can feel a warm spot in the middle of our chests when we see them or think of them. Does the dog feel that too? We have to assume not. He loves us, but he loves us in a different way. He relies on us for his well-being and survival. He looks to us (if we are successful) as a leader of his pack and he trusts us in our decisions.

He is happy to be with you because he is a pack animal and his attachment to you may well be very deep. But he doesn't have the complicated love-psychology of a human being. He doesn't have the same concept of ethics and morality and he certainly doesn't know anything above and beyond what his animal instincts tell him. If a friend of yours enters the house and your dog doesn't like him, he's not going to "be nice" to the friend for your sake! Conversely, he doesn't misbehave or sulk to get attention or "pay you back" for something you did. These are human emotions and motives that we attribute to our dogs almost unconsciously.

We should also look at the concept of praise and punishment in training. On the whole, I advocate praising good behaviour and ignoring misbehaviour. I do not believe in punishing a dog for bad behaviour, but sometimes a short, sharp shout can be a good reminder to a dog that is doing something he knows he shouldn't. It is essential to remember that you can only praise or give correction to your dog AT THE VERY MOMENT he is exhibiting the behaviour in question. He is not a child and will not know nor remember what he did five minutes ago. This is a fundamental difference between people and dogs and if remembered, will make training a much easier task.

So, the key to this is "think like a dog". Imagine you are a pack animal like him. Don't ever think of him as a human, still less a child or a baby, whatever his size and however cute his face. You have to hard-wire this concept into your relationship with your dog and he will only thank you for it. He is a dog, an animal, and only by truly understanding this will you be able to fulfil his needs and form a meaningful, satisfying relationship for both of you.

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Into the Digital Age

The Club has moved into the digital age with its own website and Facebook page. The website can be found at www.sheppartonobedience.net and will go through a facelift in the near future. You will now be able to view copies of the Club’s newsletter, The Growler each month on both the website and Facebook page. The Facebook page will be the place to go to find out any information about cancelled training or upcoming events. We also have an email address if any one wish to get in contact with the Club: sheppartonobedience@gmail.com

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Shepparton Veterinary Clinic 2 Wanganui Road, Shepparton 03 5821 3188

Our Veterinary Hospital provides modern, professional and affordable health care for your pets. We aim to make your pet feel at ease in our clinic with a caring and gentle approach to treatment and consultations. Our dedicated staff and leading veterinarians are all passionate about pets and avid animal lovers.

Serving the GV Region for over 55 years

Drive Thru Service Nationwide Warranty Car, 4WD, Tractors, Marine,

Motorcycles and Motorhomes

www.marshallbatteriesshepparton.com.au

34 North Street, Shepparton 03 5831 8990

Throughout the year many Members are disciplines and at times achieve great results with their dogs for all their hard work. These results should not go unrecognised. Any Member who is trialling please email your results through to the Club’s email address: sheppartonobedience@gmail.comachievements can be published in The Growler. Also, any photos of your results are welcome and can also be published.

Please wear appropriate footwear

No thongs,

If your dog steps on a thong, you can fall and may need medical attention, plus the noise from thongs can distract or upset your own dog or other dogs. Long coats and flappy skirts/dresses can also distract your dog from training.

WARNING: Please do not touch or walk close to unattended dogs that are tied to a fence or post etc. This also includes dogs that are in crates

‘When dogs are tethered or around them as walk about

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ROVER REPORT:

Throughout the year many Members are trialling in their selected disciplines and at times achieve great results with their dogs for all their hard work. These results should not go unrecognised.

Any Member who is trialling please email your results through to the sheppartonobedience@gmail.com

achievements can be published in The Growler. Also, any photos of your results are welcome and can also be published.

OH&S REMINDER Please wear appropriate footwear when training your dog in class

If your dog steps on a thong, you can fall and may need medical attention, plus the noise from thongs can distract or upset your own dog or other dogs. Long coats and flappy skirts/dresses

ur dog from training.

Please do not touch or walk close to unattended dogs that are tied to a fence or post etc. This also includes dogs that are in crates

.

‘When dogs are tethered or contained, they see the area around them as “their” space and will protect it. Be aware and

about 2 metres away from them.

trialling in their selected disciplines and at times achieve great results with their dogs for all their

Any Member who is trialling please email your results through to the so your

achievements can be published in The Growler. Also, any photos of

when training your dog in class

they see the area space and will protect it. Be aware and

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Dr Anna Richards BVSC.

and Associates

103 McLennan St P O Box 231,

MOOROOPNA VIC 3629 Phone 03 5825 3911

Fax: 03 5825 3229

www.causewayvet.com.au Anna & Sue welcomes you to the Causeway Veterinary Clinic, and offer a full range of veterinary services for small animals, they are as dedicated to looking after your animal, as they are to their own. This family owned business has operated for many years providing the ultimate in pet care for your beloved family members.

THE BESTLITTLE PAWHOUSE

Quality Grooming

for all Breeds

Modern Salon State of the Art Equipment

Grooming and Clipping Hydro bath and Drying

Nails Trimmed

Call Today - 5822 4030 Email: pawhouse@optusnet.com.au

6 new Dookie Rd, Shepparton

Handlers

If you forget to bring treats to class, remember the Club has bags of sausage available for $2.00 a bag.

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PROGRESSION THROUGH THE OBEDIENCE CLASSES:

Beginner Class: Exercises are basic – loose lead walking, sit, stay, drop, recall and turns Intermediate: Exercises same as Beginner Class plus –

Heel pattern with Figure 8, Stand for Examination, Sit Stays, Stand and Drop, Change of Pace

Community Companion Dog – CCD: All of the above exercises to Trial level plus

Dumbbell and Finish Novice - CD: All of the above exercises to Trial level plus

Change of Position, Off Lead work, longer timed Sit and Drop Stays Open - CDX: All of the above exercises to Trial level plus

Heel Free, Broad Jump, Dumbbell Retrieve over the Solid Jump, Dumbbell Retrieve on the Flat, Distance Control, Drop on Recall plus Out of Sight Sit and Drop Stays

Utility Dog and Utility Dog Excellent – UD & UDX: These two classes are the top two obedience levels and will be taught on request.

We have a dedicated team of small and large animal veterinarians offering a range of services including routine health care, diagnostic, surgical and reproductive procedures.

WE PROVIDE A 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE 7 DAYS PER WEEK www.tatvet.com.au You can find us at:

Tatura Vet Clinic 29 Ross Street, Tatura

03 5824 1755

Mooroopna Vet Clinic 71 Echuca Road, Mooroopna

03 5825 3511

FOR A VERY WHO KNOWS YOUR PET

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“Please give me space” At some time, you will see someone wearing these vests. Please respect a member and their dog when wearing this fluro yellow vest and keep a reasonable distance away from the dog. If possible attract the handler’s attention before approaching. Remember not all dogs are 100% confident or friendly, they may be scared, or reactive around other dogs, or being rehabilitated which is why they are attending the club classes. If you wish to use a vest please speak to one of the instructors.

The Club polo shirts and zip front fleece jackets are now available.

Check out your size in the Clubhouse.

Colour: Royal blue with white trim plus club logo.

Fabric: Driwear mini-waffle knit, easy care.

Polos: $30 each, Zip Front Fleece Jackets: - $38 each

Club Merchandise Items for Sale Club badges (enamel) $6,50 Club cloth decals Correction chains-quality steel, various prices Dog leads (soft) - from $8.50 Dumbbells -from $10 (plastic, floats in water) Liver Treats $3.50 Pigs ears $1.70 Ponchos and Harnesses (various sizes)

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UPCOMING TRIAL SCHEDULES

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SHEPPARTON & DISTRICT OBEDIENCE DOG CLUB INC.

ESTABLISHED 1974

PO Box 6230, SHEPPARTON VIC 3632

Email: sheppartonobedience@gmail.com Website: www.sheppartonobedience.net

CHAS JOHNSON RESERVE

Cnr Balaclava Road and Packham Street, SHEPPARTON

BEGINNER CLASS Starts 9.00 am: 1st Sunday of each month February to November

Bring current vaccination certificate, toy/food for positive reinforcement.

Basic Obedience to high competition standard taught, plus Agility/Jumping, Rally-O, Tracking