The Giant Hotline - South Central Giant Schnauzer Club

The Giant Hotline
• Quarterly Newsletter of the South Central Giant Schnauzer Club • Volumn II, Issue No. 3 • September 2004 •
Rescue Giants – Should You Take a
Chance? by Jack McCaleb
W
e have a “rescue”
Giant. Her name is
Katie, and she’s two years
old.
Katie is a tall girl, long
in the leg and torso, with
spring steel muscles that can
catapult her, unfortunately,
over a 6’ fence. She’s
extremely athletic and a
little clumsy at the same
time (she’s only two, after
all!). She’s as smart as they
come and her ears are a
hoot! They were cropped
but never trained. So, while
one ear lays down, the other
tends to flop over the top of
Bogey and Katie – Photo by Jack McCaleb
her head. At times it gives
her a comical look. And that’s OK – Katie is just a young girl, full of EVERYTHING
and comical is OK for her.
Katie came to us (via Judi) from her original home in Pueblo, Colorado. As we
heard it, there was some altercation with a neighbor that resulted in Katie being
quarantined for several weeks (the term “fast of fang” comes to mind). Friction
continued between her owners and the neighbor and, ultimately, Judi had Katie sent
back to Texas.
Giants have owned my wife, Missy, and me for six years. Those of you who live
with Giants have been there—you know what I mean. Our male, Bogey, is one of
the Sonnenschein “Z” litter boys. We also had a wonderful female, Nessa, who we
lost just a year and a half ago. So we have some experience with Giants. When Judi
notified us that Katie might be available, we thought a two year-old would be just
perfect. We were, after all, “experienced” Giant owners. We had survived the terrible
two’s with Bogey, aka The Devil Dog.
So, how did our experience with a “rescue” Giant start out? In a word, awful! Knowing
that she was coming, we developed a plan. Let’s call it Plan A. We purchased Katie
a new sleeping crate and bed. She got a new squeaky chew toy (its name is Foots,
and she LOVES it! Thank goodness the “squeak” fell out.). She got a new collar too.
When the day came, we were ready! We knew that she would need an adjustment
period. She’d had a tough few months, spent some time in quarantine, and then
had been shipped away from her family. Then another long plane ride took her to
another unfamiliar place, where she was met not only by new humans, but also by
a big black fur ball named Bogey! That’s enough to spook any pup. So Plan A was
Continued on page 2
Editor’s Notes
Responsible Pet Ownership
R
ehoboth Beach, Delaware is a
tiny resort town where we spend
our summers. At this time of year it
is simply overrun with tourists and
their dogs! Our street in particular
is a canine quagmire because the dog
owners use it as their access route to
the beach. Watching the daily parade
of dogs from my front porch, it is
impossible not to focus on responsible
pet ownership.
Ten years ago, responsible pet
ownership was not an issue—ten
years ago, three or four dogs passed
by, on a perfect Sunday morning in
August. Now we see forty or fifty
dogs. The sheer number of dogs
of all sizes, shapes and breeds is
astounding. We see everything from
mixed breeds to the rarest of the rare
breeds. Labradors are the hands down
favorite for summer 2004.
The folks from Washington,
Baltimore, Philadelphia and afar, who
years ago left their dogs at home or
in a kennel when they headed to the
beach, now bring their best friends
with them.
There are clearly posted restrictions
against dogs on the boardwalk and
beach from May first to October
31st. There are signs all over town
regarding year round leash and pickup laws. Most dog owners do stay off
the boardwalk and the beach during
the summer months and they do
pick up after their pets…thankfully
because we wouldn’t be able to walk
in this town otherwise. However the
scofflaws who don’t, leave evidence
everywhere, even on the boardwalk
and beach where dogs aren’t supposed
Continued on page 6
to be.
Page 1 • Volume II, Issue #3
Rescue Giants continued from Page 1.
to take it very easy with her during her
adjustment period so that she could get
used to us and to her new environment.
Plan A lasted for about two days.
We stuck to our plan when we learned
that Katie felt that her rightful place
to sit was on the couch, preferably on
my lap. We stuck to our plan when she
seemed to think that sleeping on our
bed was a birth-right. We even stuck
to our plan when she decided that the
quarter pound of bacon that was sitting
on the kitchen counter was a tasty little
snack someone had left out just for her.
(I’m not being judgmental. We just don’t
allow our Giants to do those things.)
Anyway, there were things that we had
to do, which included putting her in the
outdoor kennel while we were at work.
She didn’t particularly like that. So she
took a nip at Missy the first time Missy
tried to put her in the kennel.
E
Exit Plan A
-mail is a wonderful thing, and a
short note to Judi resulted in an
immediate response and assistance from
Enid and Greg Reyna. Also, we initiated
a new Plan B for Katie that very day to
“get her head on straight.” As soon as I
got home from work she and I headed
out to the front yard to begin a routine
intended to remove any doubt as to who
the alpha was in this pack, and who
was not! This routine did not include
discipline of any kind. It was simply fifty
repetitions back and forth in the yard
with Katie at heal during which she was
subjected to a series of sit, down and stay
commands. All conducted with a “this is
not a game” attitude. When Missy came
home from work that night, she took
the leash and repeated the routine with
Katie. We kept this up for several days,
working only short time periods but the
results were fast and encouraging. Katie
responded like a champion.
O
Dog Mode
ur first few experiences working
with Katie reminded us that we
had to think in “dog mode” again. It’s
not what we say; it’s what she thinks we
say that matters. This was something we
hadn’t thought about in a long time. We
don’t communicate with Bogey like he’s
a dog. We just talk to him, and he does
whatever he’s supposed to do—simple.
But Katie was new. We had to modify
our thinking. We had to NOT panic.
We had to NOT jump to the conclusion
that she was mean or bad tempered. We
had to NOT think that maybe a rescue
Giant was not a good idea. We had to
communicate with Katie in ways that
she could understand. Katie reminded us
that it was up to us to figure out how to
best deal with her while she was trying
to figure out how to deal with us. She
wasn’t one of our other dogs. She was
Katie, and we needed to get to know
who Katie was.
S
Progress Report
o how are we doing today? Well,
we still have a ways to go, but today
Katie is an accepted part of our family.
She has adjusted to her new home very
well and understands that there is a
pecking order. She knows her place in
that order (which, in her opinion, is
right in front of Bogey). We have had
no repeats of her first “problem.” She
does not get on furniture. She does not
get on the bed. She does (occasionally)
sneak a tidbit from the counter if no
ones looking—she’s so darn quick! And
let it be known, there is not a mean bone
in Katie’s body. We’ve discovered a very
sweet, playful and loving girl. She’s sure
picked up the pace of living around here,
and we’re very, very happy to have her.
So, the moral of our story is…
I
Moral to the Story
f you take a rescue Giant into your
home, you can never be sure what’s
going to come out of that crate when it
arrives other than it’s going to be black or
pepper and salt and have a big nose. No
matter what you’ve heard or think you
know, this Giant is not like your other
Giants or Giants that live with your
friends. This Giant has its own history.
This Giant has its own personality and
this Giant has its own way of thinking.
Is there a risk involved in taking in a
rescue Giant? I suppose so. But we’ve
learned a number of things from our
experience. Perhaps most important is
that, as a rescue Giant owner, you are not
alone. You have a wealth of knowledge
available to help you if you need it right
there at the keyboard—or you can push
those irritating little buttons on the cell
phone if your eyes are better than mine.
But perhaps of equal importance, we’ve
remembered the great intellect these
wonderful creatures possess. With a bit
of patience and effort, and if you take
the time to work with your new Giant,
most bad habits can be overcome. They
are just so smart! And they want to
please YOU! So, if you can overcome
any bad habits your Giant might have,
then your Giant becomes just like all
other Giants. And it can’t get any better
than that.
Editor’s Note: Katie was shipped back to Texas right before we left in May. When
I went out to her run for a visit, she gave me a warm welcome and made me laugh
out loud. She can do the most amazing things with those ears! And her face is so
expressive while she raises, flaps and folds them. Once seen I can assure you—Katie is
not easily forgotten. So I was thrilled when we heard that she was going to live with
Jack, Missy and Bogey.
Katie was such an angel when I met her—little did I know what lay in store for the
McCaleb family. But thankfully they were up to the task.
Many thanks to Jack for Katie’s wonderful story and the fine photograph! He
certainly captured her expression.
Page 2 • Volume II, Issue #3
Hugo & Wynona Enjoying an Afternoon Siesta – Photo by Enid S. Lagree
Giant Birth Announcements
Jordan’s Rough & Ready Six
6.23.04
Rick and Kathy Heshke are thrilled to
announce the arrival of
Ch. Sonnenshein Chasn’a Promise’s
litter of six.
Sired by Ch. Sonnenshein John Henry
the four strapping boys and two bonny
girls arrived on June 23.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Mega’s Energetic Litter of Eight
7.20.04
Photo Courtesey of Barbara Hughes
Matt and Michelle Smith are proud to
announce a litter of eight, sired
by their boy Bandit,
Ch. Pangia Banditto V Kamir out of
Ch.Skansen’s Mega Veer S.
Bandit and Mega’s Litter of Eight
According to Mega’s mom, Barbara
Hughes, the four boys and four girls
took their time arriving—all day as a
matter of fact. Barbara also noted that
mom is doing well and the babies are
healthy and growing like weeds.
Page 3 • Volume II, Issue #3
Canine Epilepsy – What We Can Do To Help!
by Enid S. Lagree
A
nyone who has ever witnessed a dog experiencing an epileptic seizure understands the seriousness of the disease. In a breed
as large as a Giant Schnauzer it is particularly frightening. Most owners admit to an overwhelming sense of helplessness
because once it starts there is nothing that can be done to stop it. The dog literally doesn’t perceive the owner’s presence.
According to The College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia’s Canine Epilepsy Network website: www.
canine-epilepsy:
“Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases in dogs, but no one knows for sure just how common it is.
Some studies estimate up to 4% of all dogs are affected. In some breeds, the incidence may be higher and some families
may have up to 14% epileptics. Epilepsy occurs less frequently in cats and other pets, presumably because they do not
have a hereditary form of the diseases.
“Epilepsy simply refers to repeated seizures. Seizures may occur as a one-time event in an animal from a variety of
causes, but only if the seizures repeat again and again over a period of time do we call it epilepsy. Seizures are a sign of
brain disease the same way a cough is a sign of lung disease. Saying an animal has epilepsy is like saying it has a chronic
cough; it is a sign of a problem which isn’t going away. Anything, which damages the brain in the right area, can cause
epilepsy. If we can identify the cause of the seizures, say a brain tumor or a stroke, then we say the pet has symptomatic
(or secondary) epilepsy. That is, the seizures are a symptom of a disease process we’ve been able to identify. If we’ve
looked and can’t find the cause, then we call it idiopathic (or primary) epilepsy. The term idiopathic simply means that
we don’t know the cause. It may be that the cause has escaped our attention; for example, a stroke that is too small to
detect with routine brain scans or damage that occurred during whelping.
“Many of the idiopathic epileptics have inherited epilepsy: epilepsy caused by a mutation in a specific gene which they
inherited from their parents. Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy frequently begin seizing at between one and three years
of age, and certain breeds are predisposed to develop epilepsy. A few breeds have proven hereditary epilepsy, while in
most it is just a strong suspicion. One of the goals of the Canine Epilepsy Project is to identify genes responsible for
epilepsy in dogs. This will allow us to positively diagnose the hereditary form and take steps to decrease the incidence
of epilepsy in dogs.”
The above mentioned website, www.canine-epilepsy, provides a wealth of information to owners and breeders of affected dogs,
veterinarians, neurologists and researchers. For anyone interested in the subject, this website is a must see/must read! As the
website points out, “…a few breeds have proven hereditary epilepsy, while in most it is just a strong suspicion.” Are Giant
Schnauzers one of the few proven breeds? Not yet! But maybe soon…with your help.
Giant Schnauzers are fortunate that a research grant has already been sponsored by South Central Giant Schnauzer Club
members Peter and Mary Hayes, along with the Mastiff and Poodle Clubs of America. Entitled Active Grant No. 2104: Defining
Inheritance of Idiopathic Epilepsy in the Mastiff, Poodle and the Giant Schnauzer the research is being carried out by Anita M.
Oberbauer, PhD; University of California, Davis.
According to the Abstract of the Grant: “Idiopathic epilepsy affects nearly 35 different purebred dog breeds and in a 1999
survey was considered one of the top canine health issues identified by the AKC parent breed clubs. The objective of the
present study is to determine the mode of inheritance and heritability of idiopathic epilepsy in the Poodle and Giant Schnauzer
breeds. This will be done by collecting survey data that includes pedigree information, phenotypic and health findings, and
descriptions of seizuring activity; buccal swabs will also be collected for the isolation of DNA for future reference. The data
will then be statistically analyzed to determine the genetic parameters controlling seizuring activity in the Poodle and Giant
Schnauzer. If the analyses suggest that a single gene exists with a significant impact on idiopathic epilepsy, the next step would
be to develop an unique genetic marker linked to that gene because genetic markers can assist breeders in selecting breeding
stock that have a lower likelihood of passing on a genetic disorder. Determining the mode of inheritance and the heritability of
idiopathic epilepsy will permit breeders to make more informed, health-based breeding decisions with the goal of minimizing
the incidence of epilepsy in their breeds.”
At this point in time, there is another Pending Grant No. 224:Characterizing Idiopathic Epilepsy in the Poodle, Giant Schnauzer,
and English Mastiff. The Canine Health Foundation has already allocated $40,000 but they require matching funds. This is where
Giant Schnauzer fanciers can help. We can show our support with matching funds.
For anyone out there with an epileptic Giant Schnauzer you can do even more. Please contact the above-mentioned Canine
Epileptic Center. Their goal is:
Continued on page 5
Page 4 • Volume II, Issue #3
Editor’s note—When we lost
our beloved Hugo in May, we
sent letters to the owners of his
offspring. At such a sad time,
what a joy it has been to hear from
them! A wonderful letter and
photograph from Roger Howard
in Avon, Connecticut describes a
really fine fellow named Buster.
Dear Enid,
I was saddened to learn that you lost
Hugo. I know how difficult it can be to
lose a great friend.
I’ve got to tell you what a great dog
Buster is. I’ve had dogs my whole life
and each has been special, but Buster
has been unique. He is so full of love and
affection it is incredible. He works with
me at The Three Dog Bakery for dogs
and has a huge following of fans that
come to see him. It has become a bit of
a problem in that Buster is very mellow,
calm and gentle while in the bakery.
People assume they are seeing the “real”
dog and that he is representative of
the breed. It has been difficult to tell
people that Giant Schnauzers are not
necessarily the right breed for everyone.
In the bakery I see almost every breed
and mix possible. We have a Yappy Hour
on Thursday nights so the dogs can run
free in the bakery,
interact and eat cake
but Buster works. He
stays quietly at my
side until he hears
a dog acting up and
then he walks up to
the dog and stares
at it until it behaves.
If the dog doesn’t
behave right away he
gives it one of those
big, booming Giant
Schnauzer barks. In
over five years, we
have never had a
dog problem that he
wasn’t able to handle.
The
customers
refer to him as the
“bouncer” at Yappy
Hour. I never had to
train Buster to do
anything. He watched
me with my other dogs and understood
the commands almost instantly. He
developed his role as “bouncer” by
himself. He also greets all of the children
that come in, and sometimes the adults.
If someone is afraid of him, he will lie
down and wait for them to come to him.
He seems to have remarkable intuition.
Buster and Friends – Photo Provided by Roger Howard
Buster The Bouncer
The remarkable nature of Buster must
have come from his parents, so I can
well imagine what a great dog Hugo
must have been. I also appreciate your
keeping in touch and sending those
wonderful holiday letters.
Warmest Regards,
Roger Howard
Canine Epilepsy continued
“…to find the genes responsible for epilepsy in dogs so that wise breeding can decrease the incidence of the disease
in dogs. We also hope that knowing what genes regulate epilepsy in dogs may help us better tailor our therapy to the
specific cause.
“How can you help?
“If you have an epileptic dog, you can supply samples and information for the project.
“Participation by the owners of affected dogs and their relatives is essential to the success of this project. Researchers
need DNA samples from dogs that have experienced seizures, and immediate relatives, both normal and affected.
Specifically, we need samples from all available siblings, parents, and grandparents. If the affected dog has been bred, all
offspring and mates should be sampled as well. Useful research families are explained in more detail here. Participation
in this research project is confidential - the names of individual owners or dogs will not be revealed. Data and sample
collection instructions and sample submission forms are available to download here, or the packet will be mailed or
faxed upon request.
“Dog clubs can contribute to the success of this project by making their members aware that this research is underway,
and encouraging those who have affected dogs or relatives to participate.”
To summarize, we can all support Pending Grant #224 and those of you with epileptic Giant Schnauzers can get in touch with
the Canine Epileptic Center. They want to hear from you!
Page 5 • Volume II, Issue #3
Editor’s Notes continued from page 1
M
ost people do keep their dogs on leash but of course there are the exceptions who just can’t resist showing off how
untrained their dogs are. Their dogs are the ones that run right up to my screen porch, which enrages my Giants
and through my flowerbeds, which enrages me. When confronted, these owners either play dumb or act belligerent.
Nothing you say seems to faze them. The laws just don’t apply to them.
The question is, of course, what can we do about the bad apples, the irresponsible slobs who make it so difficult for
responsible pet-owners? What can we do that will faze them, that will educate them, that will change their behavior?
These questions vex municipalities across the country. Mayors from cities both large and small cite loose dogs, barking
dogs, pooping dogs and biting dogs as one of their major headaches.
In general Americans can be educated through their pocketbooks. Consistently fining the bad apples turns them into
model citizens. Certainly New York City, where they fine errant dog owners, is testimony to that. However in towns
like my own Rehoboth Beach, the city fathers hesitate to do anything that might upset the tourists or generate bad
publicity.
Understandably, cities and towns plagued with real crime (NYC doesn’t have real crime?) find it difficult to spend time
citing and fining the owners of pooping or barking dogs while their citizens are being raped and murdered. And then
there are all the towns, villages and suburbs that just don’t have the manpower to crack down on the lawless, irresponsible
dog owners.
Mayors and town councils that can’t or are afraid to cite and fine the felonious dog owners, instead attempt to modify
their behavior by legislating against dog owners in general. Across the country, new laws are being written daily that
restrict the places we can take our dogs, the things we can do with them and even the number we can own. The appalling
thing is, only the responsible dog owners pay any attention to the new laws. The bad apples continue to ignore them and
the cycle continues.
What can we, as responsible dog owners, do to turn things around? How can we stop the avalanche of anti-dog legislation?
I realize that I am singing to the choir but remember—no one else but the choir cares!
B
Southern Regional
y the time you get this newsletter, South Central Giant Schnauzer Club’s first GSCA Southern Regional will
be history. Pat Gandy, Leta Whittington, Holly Reed and Jane Chism have worked like beavers to get this event
together. Our hats are off to them! The December issue of The Hotline will highlight the Southern Regional. For those in
attendance we want a report, we want to see your photographs, we want to hear how much fun you had! The deadline for
your input is December first. Jay and I will be back in Texas by then so send any hard copy to our Clifton address: P.O.
Box 513, Clifton, TX 76634. My email remains the same: ELagree@htcomp.net.
S
Holiday Photographs
peaking of the December issue, we are looking for good crisp photographs of your Giants enjoying the holidays—out
in the snow in the north, under a palm tree in the south, opening gifts, pulling a sled, in front of the fireplace next to
the tree… Please use your imagination! Once again the deadline is December 1st.
Holiday Gifting
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a friend or family member in dogs, consider making a donation in their name
to The Canine Health Foundation. Of particular interest at this time to Giant Schnauzer owners, our donations can be
earmarked for Pending Grant No. 224; Characterizing Idiopathic Epilepsy in the Poodle, Giant Schnauzer, and English
Mastiff. Note the word Pending; this grant was approved Pending support from the Giant Schnauzer Club of America.
A total of $40,000.00 has already been approved by the Foundation, contingent upon THE SUPPORT OF the GSCA
and GIANT SCHNAUZER Fanciers, so make your donations now!
Schnauzer Roundup • Sept 25th • Mesquite,TX
SCGS Club member Marilyn Hunter emailed me with news about an upcoming Schnauzer Round-up in
Mesquite, Texas. She was wondering if I knew anything about it. I’m sorry to say, “No, I don’t.” However, since
Marilyn is planning to be in Mesquite the night of the 25th for the rodeo anyway, she and Dozer will check out
the Roundup. According to Marilyn, “if it turns out to be mostly Minis, we can educate people about Giants”.
Hopefully Marilyn will report back to us about the Roundup. If it is an annual event, maybe our club can participate
next year. It sure sounds like fun! ESL
Page 6 • Volume II, Issue #3
Good Owners, Great Dogs
by Brian Kilcommons with
Sarah Wilson
Book Review by Jack McCaleb
Brian Kilcommons writes with a style
that is comfortable for people of all
ages and training backgrounds. With
credentials that include studying under
the well known British dog trainer,
Barbara Woodhouse, Brian brings a
lifetime of experience to the pages of his
book. A comment on the inside cover
says it all: “It’s called dog training, but
according to Brian Kilcommons, it’s the
owners who need the work.”
Brian begins at the beginning. If you
don’t have a dog, but are thinking about
getting one, this is the book for you. If
you have a puppy that you just can’t seem
to housebreak, this is the book for you.
If you have struggled with any number
of behavioral problems with an adult
dog, this is the book for you. Brian will
teach you what to look for in a puppy
and why you should look for it. He’ll
take you from picking and purchasing
your dog, through training, through
general health care and grooming, and
you’ll enjoy every word of it.
Throughout the book, Brian has
included snippets based on his personal
experience that are humorous but at the
same time, educational. This is a must
read for all dog owners.
Editor’s Note: Amazon.com has
both hardcover and paperback
editions available, used as well as new.
Published by Warner Books in 1999
the paperback copy is 288 pages long.
All of the reviews were very positive.
Our thanks to SCGS Club member
Jack McCaleb for bringing Good
Owners, Great Dogs to our attention!
Photo by Gay Glazbrook
This book was a joy to read and I
didn’t even have a dog when I first
bought it. What caught my attention
was it’s thoughtful and entertaining
insight into the mindset of a dog as
described by someone who has devoted
his life to dog training. Brian not only
educates his readers. He absolutely and
unequivocally convinces them that there
are no dogs that cannot be trained, and
no bad habits that cannot be unlearned,
by the dog or the owner.
Faith
Ch. Galilee’s Adeste Fideles
by Ch. Lennox Lewis de Lordship out of Ch. Skansen’s
Britta Bellinger
bred by SCGS Club members
Maryann Bisceglia and owner Mary Hayes
handled by Bill and Taffe McFadden
All Breed Best in Show Winner and 2003 Westminster KC
Breed Winner,
“Faith” currently has a litter on the ground by Ch. Gloris
Arizona Bill.
Congratulations to Maryann Bisceglia of Ingebar Giants!
As of June 30th, 2004 in the Pedigree Top Producer
Standings,
Ch.Kirsch De Che Chin Gos
was the Top Producing Sire,
& Ingebar’s PrincessWarrior
was
the Top Producing Dam.
Giant Congratulations!
Page 7 • Volume II, Issue #3
Bitter Apple – A Behavior Problem Cure-All
by Enid S. Lagree
H
ow do you keep your Giant
Schnauzers quiet when they
are on the porch and other dogs
walk by with their owners?” That is
the question we are most frequently
asked each and every summer as
we sit on the porch with our dogs.
Since most of the cottages in Rehoboth
Beach have porches and lots of people
have dogs, canine porch etiquette is
a frequent topic of conversation. For
whatever reason, dogs that are relaxing
on their porches are incited to riot when
they see dogs passing by, on occasion
even crashing through the screens. No
matter which breed—Shelties, Poodles
even little Chihuahuas—they all race
back and forth barking wildly, crashing
over, under and through the furniture.
Just last week two Bernese Mountain
Dogs and a Boxer pushed open their
screen dog and bolted down the steps,
making a mad dash toward our Wynona
who was cruising along, minding her
own business. They were as surprised that
their screen door flew open, as Wynona
was when they collided pell-mell into
her. There was a slight tussle before the
embarrassed owners came to the rescue
and corralled their wayward pooches.
Back to the answer to the number one
question: For more years than I care to
remember, we have spent the first one
or two weeks of every summer working
on our Giants’ porch deportment. Even
the old timers require annual refresher
courses because they always return to the
beach hopeful that we have forgotten the
Golden Rule—No Barking on the Porch.
Some of our Giants have been easier
to train than others but they have all
learned to behave on the porch. Our not
so secret training weapon is Bitter Apple.
We keep travel size hair spray bottles
full of it, in several strategic locations.
The bottles remain in place all summer
long to check any lapses instantly.
What exactly do we do? During the
annual spring refresher course, Jay and
Page 8 • Volume II, Issue #3
I remain on alert with a spray bottle at
hand, because it is important to catch
them in full bark. Hopefully once
or twice, right in the beginning, we
get lucky and spray the Bitter Apple
directly into the barking dog’s mouth.
The taste of Bitter Apple elicits the
same response as biting into a sour
persimmon. The culprit automatically
puckers up. Since it is pretty hard to
bark and pucker up simultaneously,
the behavior is curtailed instantly.
Dogs aren’t stupid. They soon make the
connection that barking at passing dogs
equals that awful taste and they think
twice. Our first male Giant, back in the
70’s, would actually pucker up when he
saw the bottle. I’ll bet we didn’t spray
his mouth more than two or three
times during his entire life but to the
end he would pucker up from across
the room, at the sight of the bottle.
As soon as the dog makes the
connection, it becomes harder to make a
direct hit but that doesn’t really matter.
You just spray in the general direction of
the mouth and NO it won’t blind them
if a little gets in their eyes. The dog or
dogs are so busy getting out of the way
of the spray that once again you have
successfully interrupted the unwanted
behavior without screaming or yelling.
You do have to be persistent in the
beginning and be ready to reinforce on
occasion but Bitter Apple does work; at
least it has on all of our Giants and one
German Shepard who loved to patrol
the porch. We even made a believer
out of my mother’s enormous Airedale.
Obviously what works to curtail barking
on the porch also works to quell barking
at the postman, barking in the car and
any other incessant, unwarranted canine
clamor. The good news doesn’t stop
there. Bitter Apple works just as well for
many other behavior problems. As an
example, if your dog jumps on you when
you come home, keep a spray bottle of
Bitter Apple just outside the front door.
Make sure your hands are free before
you walk in, grab the bottle, open the
door and the minute those paws hit
your chest, go for a direct hit. Their
mouths are usually wide open. Bitter
Apple is far superior to stepping on
back paws or kneeing in the chest. Both
stepping and kneeing require dexterity
that most people simply don’t have.
Even more important when your 85
year-old grandmother comes for a visit,
you can hand her the spray bottle and
she can use it as a shield. If your dog
has learned not to jump on you, using
Bitter Apple then he or she won’t jump
on anyone else holding the bottle.
H
ow about nipping puppies? Keep
that bottle in your pocket at all
times and use it before those sharp
teeth sink into your skin. A couple I
know with a young Bull Terrier carried
a bottle of Bitter Apple in their pockets
for weeks because the Bully liked to
sneak up behind them and nip their
backsides. They put a little bell on his
collar so they could hear him sneaking
up and then wheeled around and took
aim just before he connected. He wasn’t
stupid and soon tired of his game.
What about chewing on furniture? The
tubes of creamy Bitter Apple probably
work better than the spray. You just
apply the cream on anything the puppy
shows an interest in and it usually serves
as a deterrent. A man I knew walked
around with Bitter Apple cream on his
tennis shoes for months because his
Chesapeake had fixated on them. She
didn’t care a thing about his wife’s shoes,
just his! Our friend used up several tubes
of cream before the Chessie lost interest.
Finally, if for some reason your
vet prescribes one of those plastic
Elizabethan collars for the girl or boy
Giant in your life, you might be able to get
by using Bitter Apple instead. Normally
vets prescribe the collars to foil dogs’
attempts to tear open stitches or lick hot
spots. We actually put one on an early
Giant, who promptly refused to budge
an inch until we took the darn thing off.
Continued on page 9
Olivia’s Passion for Squirrels and Butterflies
by Sharleen Floch
T
he butterflies seem to be just an
excuse for Olivia to run around…
her real passion is those pesky squirrels!
We were lucky enough to have gotten
Olivia when she was about six weeks
old. Right from the start, she took an
interest in all the critters that wandered
into our back yard. However, she
focused on the squirrels, which I guess
is not so unusual since most dogs love to
chase them!
Our
kitchen
has
large floor to ceiling
windows that look
out over the deck and
backyard. Close to the
deck we have hung
a bird feeder, which
attracts
hundreds
of birds and several
squirrels, daily. From
the time Olivia was
tall enough to see out
the windows, she spent
her days watching and
barking incessantly at
the birds and butterflies
and even louder at the
squirrels. She barked
so loudly in fact, she
chased the squirrels
away and that really
frustrated her!
instead! She was so obnoxious that we
would say “shush” and take her by the
collar, tiptoeing together to the kitchen
door. Because she had been barking at
us instead of them, the squirrels would
still be happily raiding the birdfeeder.
Obviously, somewhere along the way
she had figured out that if she did not
bark at them, but came and found one
of us, we could quietly open the kitchen
door. Then she could rush out and chase
tiptoe through the house (no barking at
all), find Mort or me, herd us back to
the kitchen door (still tiptoeing) and sit
stoically, staring at the kitchen door until
we let her out. Even if we have company
in the house she repeats this behavior...
never barking and always tiptoeing. Our
friends sometimes find this behavior
frightening because she really tiptoes
and is so quiet and focused! She has
never caught one of the little beggars,
thank goodness, but
her behavior always
makes us smile.
We realize that
all Giant owners
think their girl or
guy is the smartest
and cleverest. So I
guess Mort and I
are not so unusual
when we assure you
that our “Olivia” IS
the smartest and
the cleverest Giant
ever!
When I left the
kitchen
a
few
moments ago to
come in and write
this, she was at her
post, watching the
birdfeeder. I hear
Olivia Stalking Butterflies on the Deck – Photo Provided by Sharleen Floch
her
now
quietly
tiptoeing down
At some point, we noticed that when
the
hallway
to
find
me—
the squirrels appeared at the feeder she them! Is she brilliant or what? She still
Mr.
Squirrel
COULD
be
in big
would not bark at all, but would come maintains her a daily vigil and when
trouble!
and find Mort or me and bark at us, there is a squirrel at the feeder she will
Editor’s Note: We agree! Miss Olivia is most definitely BRILLIANT! Many thanks Sharleen!
Bitter Apple continued from page 8
We took it off and every time he looked as if he wanted to
bother his stitches, we sprayed the surrounding area with
Bitter Apple. He made the connection instantly. Over the
years we have used a lot of Bitter Apple on a variety cuts,
incisions, hot spots, etc. It has proven to be great deterrent.
No doubt, many South Central Giant Schnauzer Club
members have used Bitter Apple to control barking,jumping,
nipping,chewing or wound licking but for those who haven’t,
buy a bottle and keep it on hand, especially if you have a new
puppy. You never know when it might come in handy. ESL
www.giantschnauzerclub.
org
Check out our club’s web site
today!
SCGS Club Webmaster
Carey Bradley
Page 9 • Volume II, Issue #3
~~~ Giant Memorials ~~~
When you are sorrowful
Look again in your heart
And you shall see that in truth
You are weeping for that
Which has been your delight.
Kahlil Gibran
The hardest thing about living with and loving Giant Schnauzers is losing them. Whether it’s your first Giant or your last Giant,
a young Giant or an old Giant, your only Giant or one of many Giants—losing one is never, ever easy. In this special
Memorial Section of the Giant Hotline we want to remember our best friends!
Rags
Ch. Sonnenschein Rags to Riches
8/28/91 – 7/18/04
“Rags” was one of a kind, like all of our Giants. She
loved life, not all people, but most, unless you happened
to be one of those nipped. She was a good show dog
and never nipped a judge which was very discerning.
Joe and Anne West had been around my Giants
for years. They had a wonderful Boxer and Joe was
convinced he would never own a Giant. Then Rags
happened along, and her legacy, their Willy, Leta’s
Noël and Jay & Enid’s Wynona, from her only litter.
Joe and Anne now live with three Giant Schnauzers,
two descending from Rags through her son Willy.
She nearly made 13; she gave it a heart filled try. We
will miss her.
Joe & Anne West & Judi Boston Payne
Photo by Enid Lagree
A Giant Welcome to South Central
Giant Schnauzer Club’s
Newest Members!
Liz K. and Mats Lagmanson & Zoe
Dale and Sherry Snider & Hagrid
Laren Goldsmith and Thomas Cuddigan & Lulu
Susan Mizzell & Guinness
Kaci Jackson & Wilson
Barbara Hughes & Mega and Inbe
New member Barbara Hughes stopped on her way back from Washington state this summer and picked up a new
girl Giant named Inbe at Sylvia Hammerstrom’s in California. On the way home,
Barbara and Inbe toured Reno, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.
One can only imagine what Inbe thought of the Grand Canyon!
Inbe is going to make her debut in the breed ring, with handler Page McCarver,
in Lubbock at the end of September. We wish them well!
Page 10 • Volume II, Issue #3
President’s Message
I
t has been an enormously busy summer in Texas, and not as hot as usual…wet and humid instead! I am sure all of you have
had a summer full of activities and I hope they have all been pleasant.
I have attended so few dog shows since March I feel I am probably missing all of the news, gossip and information. I am
heading to Monroe this weekend, and am looking forward to catching up. Speaking of Monroe I also hope to see many of you
there. For the first time, our club is hosting a Southern Regional Specialty for The Giant Schnauzer Club of America, Inc. Pat
Gandy, Leta Whittington and all of their crew have worked very hard and I know it will be a great success. It will be history by
the time you read this, but should provide lots of material for the December issue of the Hotline.
Since I do not have a lot of news to report, I want to remind you again of the importance of our parent club, the GSCA. The
parent club is the keeper of our breed standard and serves to keep the breed heading in a correct direction. We have just elected
a new slate of officers to the GSCA and I want to encourage all of you to consider joining the national club at this time. The
breed is becoming more popular and the responsibilities of the GSCA are heavy as they seek to protect, yet still promote the
fine qualities of our great breed. Any club is only as good as those people who determine to be a part of the solution with their
membership, donations, and service.
Visit The Giant Schnauzer Club of America, Inc. web site at: www.giantschnauzerclubofamerica.com.
Investigate the activities of the club and while you are on line, get an application and become an active member!
Speaking of clubs, The American Kennel Club publishes two very fine magazines for dog owners. The AKC Gazette is a feature
filled monthly magazine directed toward dog owners involved or interested in the sport of dogs. Breeding, grooming, handling,
training and hunting articles are a staple but they also include fascinating stories about famous dogs and kennels, artists and
illustrators, breeders and handlers and so much more. The photography and illustrations alone are worth the subscription fee
of $24.95. Everything else is a bonus!
The AKC Family Dog is a non-technical, reader friendly quarterly magazine aimed at the entire dog owning family. With expert
tips and simple “how-to’s”, The Family Dog is available in bookstores across the country. Pick up an issue the next time you’re in
Borders or Barnes & Noble. A one-year subscription includes four colorful, quarterly issues for the bargain price of $8.95.
Either magazine can be ordered from the AKC Subscription Service Dept., P.O. Box 1964, Marion, OH 43306 – 2064.
Give all of your Giants a Texas size hug from me. Have a great fall and I’ll talk to you in December.
Judi
GIANT CONGRATULATIONS!
Gay & Harry Potter – Photo by Enid
Ch. Ingebars Harry Potter
Harry Potter won three breeds on the competitive Texas circuit
(Houston/San Antonio) where the largest entry
included seven specials. This was
Harry Potter’s first time out as a special and he is
still under two years old.
Bred by SCGS Club member Maryann Bisceglia and owned by
SCGS Club members
Gay Glazbrook and Judi Boston Payne, handled by Gay.
Ch. Sonnenshein Diamond Cut
Dandy won back to back Group placements in June in Lafayette,
Louisiana. Bred by Judi Boston Payne and Gay Glazbrook and
owned by Matt and Michelle Smith, Dandy is
handled by Linda George.
Page 11 • Volume II, Issue #3
New SCGS Club
Champions
Sunny
Ch. Brighton’s Rise and Shine
Whelped: 12/12/02
Out of:
Brighton’s Lethal Weapon
X
Ch. Brighton’s Mardi Gras
Breeder: Patricia Gandy
Owners: Leta Whittington & Pat Gandy
Handler: Nicole King-White
Sunny finished in Moberly, Missouri going Best
of Winners on Saturday and Best of Breed from
the classes over a special on Sunday to complete
her championship!
Lestat
Ch. Skansens Mystic Lestat
Whelped: 8.6.96
Finished: Muskogee, Oklahoma
Out of:
Ch. Skansens Northern Lights
x
Ch. Skansen’s Rice A Roni
Breeder: Sylvia Hammarstrom
Owner: Ann Etta Dunning
According to Ann Etta, Lestat just
celebrated his 8th birthday but you
would never know it. He is still so
much of a pup. With his championship
out of the way, he has returned to the
life of a rancher. He loves carting in the
parades and we have been to several
parades this summer.
Page 12 • Volume II, Issue #3
New SCGS Club Champions
D.J.
Ch. Sonnenschein Don Juan D’Bubba
out of:
Ch. Yugo de Pichera
x
Ch. Sonnenschein Unforgetable
Owner: Kathleen Flanigan
Breeders: Judi Boston Payne
& Gay Glazbrook
Handler: Greg Reyna
~~~~~~
Kurio
Ch. Sonnenschein Kinetic
Whelped: 8.16.02
out of:
Ch. Sonnenschein Anticipation
x
Nexus Dmon Ra
Finished: 6.26.04 Oklahoma City
Ownes: Judi Boston Payne, Linda George
& Robyn Elliott
Breeders: Judi Boston Payne & Blair Bathege
Handler: Greg Reyna
Kurio was shown three weekends and finished with all
majors and two major reserves. She was whelped on 8/16/02.
Kurio Payne, as she likes to be called, is happiest in an
outfit—anything that will make people coo over her. She
loves her fancy pants (which she will be wearing in Ft
Worth) and now she has a baseball cap decorated in yellow
polka dots! She also LOVES her Hawaiian lei. You should
see her strut. She stands very still when it is time to get
dressed, the perfect mannequin. Once dressed, her buddy
Scout spends his time trying to undress her! She defends
her wardrobe do the death and Scout is learning to adjust. But he really thinks dressing up is dumb. Kurio is always willing
to go for a ride because it usually means lots of treats and fun...and dressing up! Her obedience ring debut is imminent.
Page 13 • Volume II, Issue #3
Million Dollar Question?
T
his wonderful photograph appeared in the Dallas morning
paper last spring in an advertisement for Presbyterian Hospital.
It appeared again later in full color in a magazine ad and came to
me via Bill Amerser and Scott Turnbull. The million dollar question
is—who out there knows the name of the dog and guy in the side car?
ESL
Page 14 • Volume II, Issue #3
South Central Giant Schnauzer Club Officers
Judi Boston Payne....................................President
Joe West............................................Vice President
Bill Amerser..............................................Treasurer
Scott Turnbull...Asst. Treasurer & Membership Chairman
Anne West.................................................Secretary
Board Members
Leta Whittington
Kevin Jennings
Matt Smith
Enid Lagree
Carey Bradley – Web Master
Website:
www.giantschnauzerclub.org
The Giant Hotline is the official newsletter of the South Central Giant Schnauzer Club.
Published quarterly, The sole purpose of The Hotline is to provide information of
specific interest to club members.
Editor:
Enid Lagree
P.O. Box 137
Cranfills Gap, TX 76637
ELagree@htcomp.net
South Central Giant Schnauzer Club
Membership Application Form
Name or Names:
Mailing Address:
City:
ST:
ZIP:
E-mail Address:
Phone Number:
Giants in the family: Call Names
Area of Interest:
Check one or more:
Conformation
Proud Owner
Obedience
Agility
Rescue
Breed Fancier
No matter where you live, you are invited to join! Please enclose a check made out to
South Central Giant Schnauzer Club
$20 for a single membership or $25 for a family membership.
Mail to: Scott Turnbull, 551 Guadalupe Drive, Allen, TX 75002
Page 15 • Volume II, Issue #3
Photo by Katherine Arce
A
Herding…Giant Style
ccording to Katherine Arce of Fort Worth, TX, one of her goats named Oreo recently slipped through the
pasture gate. Katherine had visions of the goat running all over the yard and perhaps even getting out onto the
street but Giant Schnauzer Gypsy saved the day. She herded Oreo by stepping in front of her numerous times
and then actually moved her back towards the gate. Also noteworthy, Gypsy made sure that Oreo never got more than
20 feet away from the gate.
Gypsy never used any Border Collie low to the ground, slinking movements. Instead she went right up to Oreo’s face
and kept her moving back to where she was “supposed” to be. There was no nipping involved, nor body contact. Rather
it was pure positioning as well as eye contact on Gypsy’s part that kept Oreo in line. Katherine simply stood by the gate
and when Oreo got close enough, Katherine was able to grab her by the collar and lead her into the pen. Gypsy turned
four in May and has never acted as if she were interested in herding the family’s horses, geese and goats before…except
the neighbor boy’s dirt bike when he whizzes by. That is the prey that she would dearly love to catch!
Katherine did mention that Gypsy has a tendency to try to herd her when she wants attention. Katherine said, “She gets
into my personal space and would love to trip me to have me all to herself, on the ground. I attributed that tendency to
whomever had her before. They probably allowed her to act puppyish with them, when they ran. In the beginning, she
nipped my heels so now I wonder if she’s a herder by nature. It was really pesky. She heeled nicely at a walk but when
we’d jog, she’d get really obnoxious. I broke her of the nipping by kicking her right before she made contact with me.
Tough love, but she stopped doing it. Maturity has changed her a lot too and she knows her boundaries now.”
A GIANT Thank You to Katherine for the great photograph and story!
Page 16 • Volume II, Issue #3