We are the Southern Alberta Working Herding Dog Association, otherwise known as SAWHDA. We are a group of "dog lovers" scattered around Southern Alberta, BC and Montana. Here you will find information about the club, its origin, its members and its activities.
The Gang
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas to all
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Demos for Pet Expo
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Lethbridge Kennel Club Dog Show Pics
Monday, November 23, 2009
Special very special post!!!!!!
We all toast both teams.
Judi
Lethbridge Dog Show Wins
What a fabulous weekend for SAWHDA members at the Lethbridge & District Kennel Club Dog Show. On Saturday, in Rally Novice B under Judge Judith Snowdon, Louann and Never scored 89. In Advanced B, Maureen and Levi scored 95, and Shar and Ryder scored 93. Joan and Dex received a score of 89 and the High in Class went to Denise and Jagged with a score of 98.
In Rally Excellent, Louann and Brazil scored 70, Maureen and Levi picked up their fourth passing scores towards their RAE with a score of 75, Shar and Ryder picked up their eighth score towards their RAE with 91, Denise and Jagged picked up their first leg of RAE with 93, and the class was deservedly won by Tubby and Lexi, whose smooth, even performance was so nice to see.
Joan and Dex got a leg towards the CD title, while Bode not only gained another leg towards his CD, but took High in Class and High in Trial to do it! What a team! Bode is here from Stateside to pick up some titles and run home for Christmas. WE, of course, feel that Bode makes a really good Canuck dog so why even bother to return him, EH?
On Sunday , Denise and Jagged were on track with a double perfect score in Rally Advanced and Excellent! Two scores towards Rally AE! Maureen and Levi are at five scores for their RAE.
Shar and Ryder are sitting on 9 legs towards their RAE and are determined to be the first SAWHDA team to reach that pinnacle.
Mary Ellen was proud of Mo in the conformation ring as he behaved himself and had a good time.
Gail took some cool pictures and will email them to me asap so keep looking at the site for updates.
We are very happy to hear that Lee is home from a stay in the hospital! Low blood pressure and high heart beat don't make good partners.
We are off to Calgary this weekend to show the Shag! Wish us luck while you are doing the eChristmas hop down the streets of Fort Macleod. Remember to meet at the A&W at 10 O'clock to join the group and walk to the start. Theme this year is O Xmas Tree.
Judi
Friday, November 13, 2009
CGN grads!!!!
We had a wonderful turnout for the SAWHDA CGN tests today at Lundbreck, AB. Judges Andrea Knibbs and Bill Nykiel decided that 12/16 dogs would gain their CGN titles today.
The following dogs were deemed to be Good Canine Neighbors:
Mo Jo Owner: Russell & Marilyn Lee
Kipper Owner: Barb Blachford
Alf Owner: Dale and Nancy Keenan
Bess Owner: Lee & Hank Hargreaves
Walker Owner: Deb Golding
Fyre Owner: Deb Golding
Swayze Owner: Judith Snowdon
Mesa Owner: Judith Snowdon
Token Owner: Judith Snowdon
Pixel Owner: Amanda Labadie
Spirit Owner: Donna McLaughlin
Violet Owner: Donna McLaughlin
Thank you to Cathy, Jenn, Gerry, Dorothy, Shar, and Ryder for working all day and cheering all the participants along. Thank you to everyone who came from out of town to make our day such a success. Thank you to Shar and Deb for setting up and taking down. Phew!!!
Thank you to Bill and Andrea for donating their fee to the Pincher Creek Humane Society!!!!
Thank you to my dogs for making it look easy. How lucky am I!
Pictures tomorrow.
Judi
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday Practice
- 20 minutes free for heeling practice.
- group sits/downs pre-nov. - nov. open.
- utility glove work (American or Canadian)
- pre-novice circle left/right
- novice figure 8's
- open figure 8's
- pre-novice sit for exam exercises
- novice stand for exam exercises
- utility moving stand for exam exercise
- signal exercises
- recalls
- jump practice (broad, bar, high)
- retrieve practice (on flat..... over high jump)
- go backs
- directed jumps
- scent discrimination
- recalls over jumps/ dogs do not need to know how to fetch for this part.
- send-away's to box/ dogs do not need to know how to fetch for this part.
- fetch from box..... one dumbbell and dog at a time.
- handler's request
SAWHDA rocked at Red Deer
Hi, Everyone!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
APDT Rally Trial at Sit!!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
High in Class
Congratulations to Carol Solkshinitz and Bode, who collected two Qualifying ribbons and a High in Class award in Novice Obedience competition in Camrose! Good job, Carol, especially since Bode has only been working for 8 weeks on his performance.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
More Novel Rally Pics
Hey, all,
Sunday, October 18, 2009
'Novel Rally" a great success!
What a super day! Great weather, great dogs, wonderful company, good food, and a venue worth the drive. And I mean, drive, as we had members from Calgary, Claresholm, Lethbridge, and Fort Macleod join us. Our club is known for its off-the-beaten track activities and today was certainly one of those activities. We set up three Rally courses which we felt all dogs and handler could manage, but along the way, we added some extra little activities to add to the mix. Like the hula hoop, which had to be swung three times from any body part (no, not anybody's part) any body part; or the golf ball on a spoon which was held while heeling around a left spiral, or the marching in place while the dog sat beside you, or the 'roll the ball' while the dog remained sitting. A mix of APDT and CKC and SAWHDA antics provided challenges and laughs for all. Shirley had a runaway hula hoop that zipped along the floor right past Krissy, so close it moved her hair! Whew. And Emily, who thought Carol had completely lost her mind when she was swinging the hula hoop. Way out! Tubby's dog Simon, did a bow at the end of his run. Louann's Brazil, did a wonderful sit like a gopher and then slapped a high five for her trick. Token did her bear imitation, Karen's dog did hugs, and everyone's dog had some trick or another to offer.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Canine Good Neighbor Test Approved!
Testers: Andrea Knibbs and Bill Nykiel.
Cost: Members or early bird entry $20 /dog.
Non-members or drop-in entry on test day $25/dog
Hosted by Southern Alberta Working Herding Dog Association
Proceeds to Pincher Creek Humane Society SPCA
Registration info: shadowbr@telusplanet.net
(Early Bird entries close: Nov. 1/09)
Email entry info (see form below) to shadowbr@telusplanet.net
Send entry fee to Box 237, Lundbreck, Alberta T0K 1H0
WHAT YOUR DOG HAS TO DO..........
CKC Canine Good Neighbour Program
Good Dogs Make Good Neighbours...
Objective:
To identify and reward responsible, caring owners and their canine partners throughout Canada.
To ensure that one of our most favoured companions, the dog, is accepted as a valued member of our communities right across the country. Canine Good Neighbours can be counted on to present good manners at home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs.
What?
The test is non-competitive and allows dog and handler to demonstrate confidence and control in 12 steps. It assesses the handler and dog's relationship, together with the handler's ability to control the dog. Dogs are evaluated on their ability to perform basic exercises as well as their ability to demonstrate good manners in everyday situations.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL TO BRING ON TEST DAY
The handler is required to bring the following equipment to the test
Proof of vaccination certificate
Dog license or CKC registration #
Test fee
A leash not less than .75 metres (2’) nor longer than 2 meters (6’) in length is required (acceptable collars include a well-fitting slip, buckle or martingale collar, made of fabric, leather or chain. All other types of collars are unacceptable.
A grooming tool – either brush or comb
A plastic bag for picking up after the dog
For the registration form you need :
Owner’s name ______________________
Full address ______________________
Phone number______________________
Email address______________________
Dog’s registered name if registered ______________________
Dog's call name if unregistered __________________________
CKC registration number (if registered) ________________________
Breed ________________________
EXERCISE DESCRIPTION
Demonstrating confidence and control, you and your dog must complete these 12 steps.
TEST I - Accepting A Friendly Stranger
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to allow a friendly stranger to approach and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday manner.
The evaluator will walk toward the handler and dog and greet the handler by shaking hands and briefly chatting. The dog should remain under control with only gentle verbal or leash assistance, if necessary. The dog should not go to nor jump on the evaluator. It must not exhibit any signs of shyness by hiding behind the handler or by attempting to avoid the evaluator, and must not exhibit any signs of resentment.
TEST 2 - Politely Accepts Petting
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to allow a friendly stranger to pet it while out with its handler. The evaluator will pet the dog on the head and shoulders. The dog may sit or stand quietly beside the handler and may change position, but must not exhibit any signs of resentment or shyness.
TEST 3 - Appearance and Grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will accept being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger to do so. The evaluator inspects the dog, brushes the dog briefly on the back and sides, and lightly examines its ears and front feet. The evaluator then quietly walks behind the handler and dog, returning to face the dog. The dog does not have to hold position, but should not have to be restrained: minor movement is allowed. The handler may assist the evaluator and talk quietly to the dog.
TEST 4-Out For A Walk
This test demonstrates the ability of the dog to walk politely on a loose leash as well as the handler's ability to control the dog. The evaluator will have the handler and dog walk a course, which will include at least one right and left turn and a 180º-degree turn. It is not necessary for the dog to be exactly aligned with the handler or sit when the handler stops. The handler may talk to the dog.
TEST 5 - Walking Through a Crowd
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to walk politely beside the handler in pedestrian traffic while remaining under control at all times. The dog and handler walk through and close to several [at least five] people. Throughout this test the handler may talk to the dog, giving praise and encouragement. The dog must maintain a position close to the handler without becoming unduly stressed or unruly. The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should not go to them.
TEST 6 - Sit/Down On Command and Stay In Place ( On a Long Line)
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to respond to the handler's commands. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to sit and down the dog. If required, the handler may touch the dog gently to assist it.
Once the dog has responded to both a sit and down command, the handler will decide in which position the dog is going to be left. The handler will then tell the dog to stay, and walk forward 20 ft, before turning around to face the dog, then will return to the dog.
TEST 7 - Come When Called (Long Line)
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to come when called by the handler. The evaluator will stand near the dog, and instruct the handler to position the dog in either a sit, down or stand position. The handler will then leave the dog and go to a distance of 3 meters (8 - 10 ft) before turning and calling the dog. The dog may change position, but must remain in place. The dog should come readily to the handler; the handler may encourage the dog. (Practice so dog is not upset by the lead dragging)
TEST 8 - Praise/Interaction
This test demonstrates that the dog can be easily calmed following a play session or praise. After playing with the dog for approximately 10 seconds, the handler then calms the dog. More than one command may be used, but the dog must display controlled behaviour when told to settle by the handler. The evaluator is looking for evidence of a good relationship between the dog and handler.
TEST 9 — Reaction to Passing Dog
This test demonstrates the dog's polite behaviour while in the presence of other dogs and handlers. Two handlers, with their dogs, approach one another from approximately 6 meters (20 ft). They stop, shake hands, briefly chat, and then continue walking for approximately 2 meters (6 ft). The dog should exhibit no more than mild interest in the other dog, and should not cross over to it.
TEST 10 - Reaction To Distractions
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common visual and auditory distractions such as the sudden opening or closing of a door, crutches, wheelchairs, baby strollers, joggers, etc. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity at the distraction, or may startle temporarily, but should not panic or show aggression or fear. One or two barks are permitted but the dog must not continue to bark at the distraction. The handler may encourage and talk to the dog throughout this test.
TEST 11 - Supervised Isolation
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to be left alone with a trusted person other than its handler, while maintaining a calm acceptance of the situation. The handler asks another person to hold the dog, and tells the dog to stay or wait. The handler will leave the area and go to a pro-designated location, out of sight of the dog. The handler will wait 3 minutes until called to return by the assistant evaluator. The dog is not required to stay in a particular position, but should not show excessive stress or nervousness by pulling on the lead or trying to get away. Excessive panting, barking, whining, or seeking attention from the evaluator is not acceptable.
TEST 12 - Walking Through A Door/Gate
This test demonstrates the dog's response to the handler's commands as well as the handler's ability to control the dog in a restricted area while moving ahead of the dog and through a door/gate. The handler may speak quietly to the dog as they approach the door/gate. The handler commands the dog to sit/wait and walks through the door/gate, while instructing the dog to follow calmly and join him. Alternatively, the dog and handler may proceed through the door/gate together, with the dog accompanying the handler on a loose leash. The dog must not go through the door/gate before the handler instructs him to do so.
You and your dog can do it! Come and and give it a try.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Snow today
Winter on the way? Time to get busy!
Must share a really neat photo sent in by Brenda Bando this week from winter past. Tug looks as though he has been in
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A Summer to Remember!!
Check out this agility news from Sarah ,Amanda, and Kim! What a fabulous summer they have had.
From Sarah: "We have had a couple great weekends Trialing. Gyp is running great and bringing home the Q's, we are working towards her SIlver Award of Merit. Kaleb reached his 40th Masters Standard Q! And Miss Jane retired from Agility Competition this past weekend. Our Agility friends made it special by presenting a book of memories and a cake with her photo on it! She ran her little heart out in the 2 runs she was entered in, and placed 1st and Q in her runs. We hope to do more Rally in her retirement years, and I think she will love that! We had 7.5 years in the Agility Ring together and I am so lucky to have had that time with her. She was the first JRT in Alberta with an ATCHC, Bronze, and Silver Award of Merit."
From Amanda: Wicca earned her MAD (Masters Agility Dog) title at a recent trial. This has been a long time coming, and I am very proud of her.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Stateside
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Harvest Fest Celebrations
Saturday, September 19th, members of the Southern Alberta Working Herding Dog Association set up their booth at the
Sunday, September 13, 2009
More news
Monday, August 31, 2009
Cranbrook/Castlegar shows
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2009
AKC Dog Show Fun
Ta Da!!! We are home, safe and sound. And what a weekend. Weather-wise it was unbelievable! Ten minutes from a clear blue sky to an angry purple cover accompanied by winds that tore down canopies and ripped tents from their pegs and deposited them in ponds. An agility wall left the ring to sit near the road.