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Richland KennelClubP.O. Box 386Richland, WA99352

I Officers ITreasurer Recording Show Board of

President Vice President Michele Secretary Chairman DirectorsChuck Ames Dave Criswell Murray Skeeter BmceGlenn Kevin Davis

588-6430 627-5736 531-0432 378-2303 491-9180 Marilyn Clark

I Committees INewsletter Judges Judges

Historian /Corresponding Bmce(past Selection SelectionHandling Class

RefreshmentsSecretary President) Chrrnn Co-chrmn

Bonnie AmesMarilyn/Steve

Bonnie AmesKim Glenn Valerie Brown Marion Ford Clark

588-6430 588-6430491-9181 554-1668 588-8413

Next General MeetingSept. 4t\ 2014

7:30Richland Comm. Center

Guest Speaker

Handlin.g Classes

We are back at 4-Paws

7pm

Sept 10th-Bonnie & ChuckSept 17th -Kim & BruceSept 24tb -A~yssaPaxton

Please bring proof ofvaccinations if your dog has

not been here before.

RKC BoardMeeting

ThursdaySept. is", 2014

7:30 pmDenny's in Richland

;;" 'iDeadline forNewsletter15th of the month

Any material received after thisdate will be considered forinclusion in the following

newsletter.Contact Info:

l3rucelKim Glenn .bklenn76@frontier.com

4502 Arlington, Dr.W.Richland, vV~99353

491-9181

THE ART OF COMPETING SUCCESSFULLY

By Charles Ames (Amsburg Corgis)

Whenever we decide to enter an activity which is competitively based, we start with a true senseof wonderment, awe, and naivety. Sometimes we watch what is happening for a short time andwe begin to believe we know everything there is to know and can be successful. This is as truein the sport of showing dogs as in any other competitive sport.

One of the most difficult things to do is to START! We always have excuses as to why we arenot ready, our dogs are not ready or the sport is too political, and so on. Again, the sport iswhat it is. The people judging and handling have traveled over the same roads as you will travelto get to where they are today. I thought with all the new people involved, this would be theright time to talk a little about how to be successful in the sport of dogs. Something that Bonnieand I have been able to achieve through almost 40 years of exhibiting. Below are somephilosophical presentations to help you achieve your goals.

1. Don't wait for the perfect dog to perfect your skills.

Whether the dog you have is purebred, registered, a pet, or a top quality show dog, the skillsyou will need to be successful have to be developed. Take the dog you have andparticipate in handling classes or obedience classes, whichever is your passion. Learn topresent your dog. Learn how to dress properly and how to handle the leash. You do notneed a top show dog to do this. This is the foundation you will need when get a morecompetitive dog. Bonnie started with a mixed breed dog to learn the basics of obedience,and our first "show" dog was terrible and never earned more than a second place for 2years. However, what we learned showing this dog paid tremendous dividends when wegot a more competitive dog.

2. No matter how long you show, you always have opportunities to learn

Whether you are a novice or a long-time exhibitor, you never know everything. Every dogyou show is different and may require different techniques for the best presentation. Ourfirst Champion German Shepherd was a natural show dog (these come along once in a bluemoon!). Once she earned her championship, we thought we knew everything. NOT TRUE.Our last German Shepherd champion female would not let ANYONE touch her. It isamazing how much more you learn on a difficult dog. One of our last champion PembrokeWelsch Corgis did not enjoy showing and would not use his ears. We did get hischampionship but it took a lot of ingenious techniques. We listened and learned fromothers.

3. Presentation at the dog show is only the end product of the work that is needed.

Anyone who believes that simply by presenting their "show" dog in the ring is all it takes towin is highly mistaken. The competition from other exhibitors is very stiff and if you have notworked your dog at handling classes or in the park, if you have not learned and groomedyour dog accordingly, and if you have not perfected your skills YOU WILL NOT WIN no

matter how good the dog may be. Professional handlers and long-time exhibitors ply theirtrade very effectively and have developed rapport with many of the judges. When there aredogs that are very similar in quality, the better exhibitor, the better groomed, the bettertrained, and the better dressed handler will almost always come out on top.

4. Set your goal, establish your plan, and work your plan.

It is important to understand that you earn an American Kennel Club championship requiresa total of 15 points. You can earn anywhere from 0 points to 5 points at anyone showdepending on the number of dogs and bitches entered and showing. Of the 15 points, 2 ofthe wins MUST be major wins (3 - 5 points). When you have a breed that is rare in an area,you can earn a lot of minor points, but have a huge problem getting enough dogs or bitchesto earn a major. If you have a popular breed in your area, then you have opportunities formajors, however the competition is stiff and you will need to participate in many moreshows. This is where knowledge of the AKC point schedule is critical. You may need toshow in a different area (for Pembroke Welsh Corgis the number of males for a 3-pointmajor in WaShington/Oregon is 9, the number for Idaho/Montana/etc. is only 6 males). Youmight be able to "build" your own major by having people in your area enter the same sexdogs to get enough for the major. While this is not a guarantee for the win, it improves yourchances. One of our club members recently did this and was successful in earning 2 majorsback-to-back. We have traveled to many areas, including Alaska, and have earned majorsalmost every time. Traveling and/or building majors is not against the rules, it is smart goalsetting and accomplishment.

5. Know your competition and your judges.

When you start out, the shows you enter and the judges you exhibit under are not reallyimportant. You do not know what they like in dogs, so you can use these opportunities tolearn about the judge, to hone your exhibiting skills, and to train your dog. After you havebeen in the sport for some time, you will recognize what different judges like about dogs andhow well you have fared under their scrutiny. Being selective about which judges youpresent you dog to makes sense. It not only is more cost effective, it improves your chancesfor being successful. However, it is also important to know your dog. A dog you competedwith earlier may have some structural differences from the dog you are presently exhibiting.If you do not know your dog's weaknesses, you decrease your odds of being successful.Remember no matter what, it still is all about the dog.

6. Practice to be perfect.

When you look at any competitive sport, how you practice determines how you perform. Ifyou allow your dog to practice with bad habits, they will perform the same way. When youmove your dog, it MUST stay in a gait. If they gallop, they do not develop the correctmuscle tone and will look sloppy in the ring. If you let your dog sit to get a treat, they will sitin the ring. Also, you need to reward positive behaviors and not subconsciously reward badbehaviors. If you dog is bad on the table or will not stand for the judge, don't tell them theyare okay and don't feed them. If your dog barks at you, don't pet them or feed them. This

type of behavior is not okay and you need to be firm about the correct behavior or response.The German Shepherd that we exhibited that did not like others to touch her was trained tostand for examination. In fact she went on to win a Best in Show in Canada! You do nothave to be mean; you simply have to be consistent. Don't ask your dog to do somethingthat you cannot enforce. Help your dog be successful by ensuring commands you provideare consistently reinforced and met. NO MIXED SIGNALS!!

The same holds true for your dog when they win their class. If you do not win your class alot, you and your dog are not as comfortable going back in for winners. The same goes forthe breed competition. The first few times will be uncomfortable for both you and your dog.People that win breed a lot become very comfortable in Group and so on. One of our clubmembers has a rare breed of dog and is the only one as most shows. His first time in groupwas quite challenging as he was unsure of what he needed to do. He did quite well as hefocused on his training. The second time, his dog got too hot and stopped performing. Allof these things are areas where you can improve. NO ONE IS PERFECT THEIR FIRSTTIME at any new part of the sport.

7. Anyone can show their dog, you don't need a professional handler.

If you truly want to show your own dog, then do so. You can learn how to dress, how to'train your dog, and how to exhibit. Present yourself and your dog in a professional manner.The judges will notice. One of the biggest stumbling blocks to successful Showing is self-confidence. When you are intimidated and/or unsure, that emotion travels down the leashand is reflected by your dog. It is not easy and winning helps, however you may always finda time where you are uncomfortable and or unsure. Always rely on your training, and listento the judge for directions. It does get better.

Also, if you have a mentor, the time to receive feedback on your performance is NOT assoon as you leave the ring. You already have huge emotional discomfort and feedback willnot always be positive. It is sometimes the nature of the beast and the people providingfeedback mean well, they just don't always understand your emotional state.

8. Focus on the process, NOT THE END RESULTS.

It is important to understand the goal is NOT to win, but to exhibit your dog the best way youcan. This was the philosophy of the Seattle Seahawks. While they wanted to win the Superbowl, their focus was on always competing and performing the best that they could. Thesame holds true for dog shows. If you focus on winning, and you come up short, yourattitude suffers greatly and you may miss the opportunity to improve or to understand whatthe judge was evaluating in the dogs. Sometimes you simple get beat by a better dog. Afterall, that is dog shows. Win or lose, the only real control that you have is how you exhibityour dog and every show provides an opportunity to improve your skills and the skills of yourdog.

Richland Kennel Club

Board Meeting

August 21 2014

The meeting was called to order at Denney's Restaurant in Richland, Washington by President CharlesAmes at 7:29 pm. Board members present: Corresponding Secretary Bonnie Ames, Treasurer MicheleMurray, Recording Secretary Skeeter Benton, Board Members Kevin Davis, Show Chairman BruceGlenn and Obedience Chairperson Cindi McInturf. Non board members in attendance Bill Murray, KimGlenn and Rosanne Davis.

Board Meeting Minutes a motion to accept the minutes of the last Board meeting as published in theNewsletter was made by Skeeter Benton and seconded by Bonnie Ames Motion carried.

Treasurer Report- Treasurer Michele Murray provided a report of Club finances.

Corresponding Secretary- Email was received by Chuck Ames from Tammy Faulkner inviting the clubto participate again in Pet Smart's Super Adoption DayfResponsible Dog Ownership Sept 13thand 14th.Space will be provided for a booth for the RKC. Cindi McIntruf has volunteered to man the booth bothdays. Another email was received from Carol McMullen, Kennewick Special Events regarding REARCHMuseum Dog Days of Summer concerts every other Friday evening. Last concert will be Sept 26thandthey will promote our dog show in one of their Tri City Herald ads. Would the RKC be interested?Motion to accept offer was made by Skeeter Benton and seconded by Bonnie Ames. Motion was carriedChuck Ames will contact REACH Museum.

Fall Dog Sbow- Asked by the board to provide another golf cart for use at the show and an additionaldumpster. Arrangements for these will be provided, per Kevin.

Handling Class- We will be moving inside to 4 PAWS in Richland, on Sept lOthat 7pm.

New Business- RKC monthly meeting is Sept 4that the Richland Community Center at 7pm.

Old Business Nominating Committee is headed by Michelle Murray and they are meeting to present theslate for 2015 officers. Guest speaker at RKC meeting is a Veterinary Chiropractor.

Motion to adjourn- Motion to adjourn was made by Cindi McInturf, seconded by Bruce Glenn andmotion was carried. Meeting was adjourned by Charles Ames at 7:45 pm.

9. Believe in your dog.

Always remember that the sport will always be about the dog. After you have participated inthe sport for some time and you have finally obtained the dog that you like, you have toshow them like you believe they are the best dog in the world. Most of the time thedifference between a champion and a non-champion is the belief the owner has in showingthat dog to its championship. We have been beat by lesser dogs, and we would neverbreed to many champions as their quality does not meet our standards. Give your dog achance. Do not be too quick to pull the dog from the ring. If you truly believe in the dog, geta handler, evaluate the judges, do whatever it takes to give the dog all the necessaryopportunities to be successful. Obtaining your championship is not a time limited function.If your dog does not earn his title by the time it is 2 years old, that does not mean the dog isa failure. We showed one male until he was 6 years old to finish his title. Sometimes weshow dogs when they are not at their best; out-of-condition, lack of maturity, too young, etc.If you truly believe in your dog, you WILL give it the chance it deserves.

10. GET A MENTOR

Like any new endeavor, the process for learning is hear (or read), see, and do. Each step ofthis process requires feedback (both for improvement and for reinforcement). Trying tolearn in a vacuum will not result in any improvement. The real key to success is to find amentor that is knowledgeable and skilled that you trust. While you can gain someunderstanding of presentation skills by watching other successful handlers in any breed, it 'isdifficult to integrate what you see into your performance without someone to provide the"why". Another benefit of a breed knowledgeable mentor is their ability to judge type anstructure about your dog. Being able to judge movement, structure and type takes manyyears of experience which many novice exhibitors have not gained. When you havereached the point where you recognize your dog is not the best for you, this experiencedmentor can help guide you through the process of upgrading through their contacts andknowledge.

Finally, every beginner reaches a point where they no longer require the level of mentoringthat was provided. Sometimes during this learning process, you and your mentor growapart. While this is not unusual it is still important to give your mentor the respect theydeserve for helping you improve in your dog and your presentation.

11. Remember the goal is to have fun.

Probably the biggest thing we all forget is the goal is truly to have fun. What other sport canyou participate in where you do not have to be a highly chiseled and toned physicalspecimen? Anyone can be successful if they apply the right attitude to learn their craft andto ply their craft to the best of their ability. Many of our new members have been verysuccessful in a very short period of time. While many challenges still lay ahead, much of thefoundation has been set. If you are not having fun, then you might want to re-evaluatewhere you want to be. Remember that having fun is not a destination, it is the path youtake. Don't forget to take the time to smell the roses!!

Up Coming Shows

Jr's InstantRaffle Items Needed

Richland KCKennewick, WA

Paper TowelsObed & Rally

(Date: 9/26/2014) Hand Wipes

Microwave PopcornAll BreedDates: 9/27-28/2014Closes: 9/10/2014

OnofrioDog Toys

First Aid items

Kleenex

PencilslPensIdaho Cap. City KCBoise, ID

Dates: 10/9-10/2014Closes: 9124/2014

Onofrio

Note Pads

Anything you can thinkof•.. household items

Knickknacks

Small Kitchen itemsLizard Butte KCBoise, ID

Dates: 10/11-12/2014Closes: 912412014

Onofrio

Ect ..•..

Get these items to Bonnie assoon as possiable

Items of Interest

Dear RKC members,Our family has been moved to the east coast. I wish Icould have seen you all one more time to say goodbye,but I had to pack up and leave fairly quick. Please knowthat I hold special memories with you all, and washonored to be part of the Richland Kennel Club. You arean amazing group of people with heart and passion forwhat you do. I wish you all the best with the upcomingRKC Fall show. My thoughts and prayers will be withyou. Wishing you all abundant joy and continuedsuccess in all you do!

Best wishes,Leila Grandemange

Chris LarsonLanarkstone's White Diamond (Gina), finished herChampionship Conformation title in Portland, OR.

Liz SummaSamoyed

Olympic Kennel ClubAugust 17,2014Kassie got her first Qualifying Score forLure Coarsing Ability

Mount Rainier Working Dog ClubJuly 11,2014Judge Houston ClarkWinners Dog - 3 Pt. Major

Willamette Valley Samoyed FanciersJuly 12,2014Judge Terry CampbellBest Puppy in Sweepstakes

Nisqually Kennel ClubAugust 9, 2014Judge Donna BuxtonBest of Winners & Best of OppositeSex

Nisqually Kennel ClubAugust 10,2014Judge Gloria KerrWinners Dog & Best of Opposite Sex

Samoyed Club of Washington StateAugust 14,2014Judge Dr. Robert D Smith Winner'sDog & Best of Winners - 5 Pt. MajorNew Champion - Finished with 3Majors

Richland Kennel Club

P.O. Box 386Richland, WA 99352