THE PACK LEADER
January 2000

Hi Everyone
Welcome back to all. It is hoped you all had a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. We are now faced with the new millennium , the year 2000. It is good to see so many old faces returning to our group for the New Year.  The year ahead I'm sure is going to be as successful as that past. The achievements of those in the trialing ring in 1999 have paved the way. The standard of the trialers was one of excellence, and it is hoped you will all strive to join this group of high achievers. Those who do not have pedigree dogs, keep in mind the new opportunity being implemented this year. Our in huse trialing, enabling you to trail in similar manner and achieve rewards. It is envisaged with your help and support this will lead to more enjoyment in training for both you and your dog.

Christmas Party
It was a most enjoyable day. The occasion was well supported with the numbers swelling as the day moved on. A warm thanks to Christine and Kuno Becht for providing the venue and opening their home for the occasion. The setting, an unforgettable rural scene, was enjoyed by all. The nature bush walk was an unexpected treat enjoyed by dogs and humans alike. The freedom provided to the dogs to romp and do what they do naturally, I'm sure will live in their dreams forever. The open spaces, not something many of our pets get to experience added to the day. The weather although threatening at times held till late afternoon finishing the day with an impressive storm. Christine and Kuno made all feel welcome going out of their way, playing hostess and host. Christine a most attractive and energetic hostess fluttered around doing a marvellous job. Without her efforts the day would not have gone as well. Of course she had Kuno well organised, doing all the hot work on the barbeque. There was food a plenty and the drink flowed, no one seemed wanting. Thank you to all who helped by bringing food etc.

The raffle was a great success helping to cover the cost of presents for Ross, Jeffrey and Tania. For those unaware your money was well spent on a microphone for Ross, a new leather lead for Jeffrey and an electronic organiser for Tania. All were impressed if not a little over whelmed.
The raffle was won by 
Amanda winning first prize, the juice extractor, and then there was second and third prize. A travel make up bag and acrylic drinking set. How she did it I'm not sure but Monica managed to scoop up both these prizes, a very lucky girl on the day. Both winners were present on the day.
The dogs were well behaved considering their numbers, all humans were impressed by their behaviour. Something we can all be proud of, the training definitely showed.
Thank you again to Christine and uno who without their generosity, this day would not have been possible.

Coming Events
The new in house trialing is bout to begin and all preparations are well underway. A venue will be announced in the coming weeks and hopefully the first event will be in February. It is hoped you all will take the opportunity to participate in the trial, your support ensuring continuation. The implementation of this event has grown to a mammoth task. Something we did not envisage.
For you the opportunity is endless. Achieve recognition of your training and your dog's ability. Gain your level Certificated for each level of obedience training. Trialing starts at the Companion Dog level, our own rules and regulations govern the event. Trophies will be awarded to highest point scoring dogs in each trialing category, and Certificates awarded for passes in both Level assessments and trialing qualify.
The event is planned for the last Saturday of each month. It is hoped you will all attend as the day is not only for those competing but an opportunity to socialise, a get together of all in our group with similar interest in dog training as yourself.
Members of the group will be needed on the day to assist with barbeque and raffle tickets etc. If you feel you can offer assistance in this area it would be most appreciated.

New procedures for 2000
At the beginning of each lesson all are to have their name ticked off the attendance sheet. This helps with our bookwork and assists in maintaining an accurate record of you progress. Name-tags are to be implemented in the near future, they will have your name and your dogs name printed. They are to be picked up at the commencement of each lesson and handed back on completion.

Fees
All fees are to be paid prior to the commencement of each lesson for those paying weekly. Those taking advantage of the advance payment and bonus lessons please keep your account paid in full.

Obedience Level Certificates
It has been possible an oversight due to the workload of the instructors but many of you are well advanced in your training and deserve the opportunity to undertake the first obedience level certificate assessment. This is being provided in our in house trials. If you feel you and your dog would like to try for this award, please discuss it with one of the instructors who will assist with advice that will prepare you and your dog for the appropriate level. The instructors will be making a conscious effort to encourage everyone to undertake assessments when the standard of training has been achieved. Should you feel you have been overlooked please bring it up with one of the instructors. Others who have not reached the required standard of training, continue with your training with the goal in mind of gaining these awards, a true indication of you and your dogs ability.

Trialing Update
As most of you are aware a number of or group competed in the Sunshine Coast Dog Obedience Club trial on December the 4th. It was something to be seen. The group swelled with the numbers who came along to give support which was most appreciated the numbers added to the occasion. The black and gold shirts worn by the group stood out from afar. The results were more than impressive our training methods definitely proving itself on the night. The newly accepted trialing uniform of black shirt with it's gold lettering and black pants had the desired affect of presenting professional appearance and attracting noticeable attention. The highlight of the night was the presentation of the awards. Pride in our group was high as Michael (194) and Jeffrey (189) accepted awards for first and second place respectively in the Novice Dog category. Kirsty (184) accepted the award for first place in the Novice Bitch category and our friend and colleague Peter Mario, followed to accept the award for first place in the Open Dog category. The scores achieved by our group left little doubt in the minds of those present that we all took our training and trialing seriously. A credit to Ross, his training methods and leadership. The success of each member of the group showed the preparation and hours of training they had put into their polished routine. The night was capped off with drinks at Ross's house where everyone relaxed, celebrated and unwound.

Trialing News
Kirsty Morgan and her staffy India took out first place in Novice Bitches with 192 at the Logan trial on the 22nd. We thank the very proud supporters who travelled a long way to support her. Great effort Kirsty.
December 4th was Jeffrey and Mike their CD titles. This gave us four titled dogs for the year.

Ross's Kennel
The year of 1999 was a struggle for my business as it was with other outdoor workers due to excessive rain. However, the year finished with a bang for us as the trialers successfully closed the year at the Sunshine Coast's December trial. I thank the Sunshine Coast Dog Obedience Club for a well organised event and congratulate our trialers for performances of excellence.
I deeply thank Kuno and Christine Becht who opened their home, farm and hearts to us for a Christmas barbecue. The day was highlighted with thirty dogs running around together playing like kids at a picnic. When one takes into consideration that several of the dogs had earlier bee dog and human aggressive, the positive proof of our training methods were on show. No fights and no dogs annoying people for food. I am also grateful to Tonia Werchon and Peter Mario for honouring us with their presence.
Mariska Herbert is also leaving us to study at the Gatton University. Mariska astounded spectators with the performance of her sixteen week old border collie "Tajah". Her puppy displayed obedience not often seen by older dogs, also tricks including dead dog, jumping up into Mariska's arms and jumping through a full hoop of fire. And many trainers say this training is impossible with puppies - have they lived in a cave all their lives?
My deep appreciation goes to my team of instructors whose dedication and loyalty has been incredible. Mike's natural ability with dogs, people and organisational skills has been a major plus to me particularly with Tania moving on to bigger and better things. Barbara's vast experience in the showing and trialing area combined with her common sense attitude to training is very welcome. Also my son Jeffery, reliable as always as well as knocking up dream scores in the trialing ring.
Tania of course, is off to study interior decoration. Tania had been with me for a few years, starting training with a totally unsociable Rottweiler called Jake. Tania was growing into an instructor of outstanding qualities and is missed both as a dear friend and as an instructor.
Puppy classes were particularly successful with most of them trained in the classes conducted through Mountain View Vet Surgery. Ironically at times there were full classes that were clients of other surgeries, which proved that the classes were not a client grabbing exercise. The common aim to train people to be responsible dog owners with well behaved dogs is rigidly adhered to.
A sweepstake trial is being held at Logan on the 19th Feb. Tony Collins and Monica Kruger are entered to get their compulsory 150pts. Kirsty Morgan is entered giving India another run for the fun. We are always looking for supporters for competitors, so if you're interested in a night out with the gang you will be very welcome.
A sweepstake trial is being held at Ballinga Pk. Buderim by the Sunshine Coast Dog Obedience Club. the date is the 26th, and again we ask for supporters to cheer Tony and Kirsty through their competitions.
Wholehearted congratulations go to Sunshine Coast Police Dog Team, Senior Constable Glen Wilson and olice Dog Geordie. Glen and Geordie won the Australia - New Zealand Police Dog Trials in Melbourne recently. They were also the first Australian team to win the competition from the New Zealand Police Dog teams since 1988.
Jeffrey and I attended the Monty Roberts seminar on the 22nd of January. Monty Roberts in a natural horseman from the USA. I've been following the work of natural horsemen for some time believing that there is a great deal that dog trainers can learn from their concepts.
Puppy classes will be conducted at the Pet Hypermarket, Virginia commencing the 6th of Feb. If you have friends in Brisbane with puppies they may be interested in attending classes.

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