TCOTC`s mural A world championship New observer class

dog post
Twin Cities Obedience Training Club
tcotc.com
TCOTC’s mural
A world championship
New observer class
January 2014
Issue 01.14
Meet our
cover dog!
Owner: Jill Lebrun
Dog’s name: Chula
Nicknames: Chu, Chu Chu,
Chuchi, Chuli Lou, Chulita
Breed: Dachshund
Age: 7
Favorite activities: Walking
with Twin Cities Pack Walk
and Nose Work
Tricks/talents/skills: Rolls
over, gives kisses to her cat
sister
Favorite treat: Tasman’s
Buffalo Rolls
Your dog can be
a cover model,
too.
Just send a picture to
newsletter@tcotc.com.
High-resolution, .jpg photos
work best.
In this issue
dog post
Editor and Layout
Webmaster and Designer
Anna Kucera
Janna Netland Lover
Send comments to newsletter@tcotc.com.
Next deadline is March 15.
The dog post newsletter is published four times annually for TCOTC
members. Permission is granted to reprint articles as long as credit is given
to TCOTC dog post and to any individual author. Any reprint must include
the date of original publication.
To receive the newsletter (along with club events, new classes and
emergency closing announcements) electronically, enter your email
address on our home page at tcotc.com.
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Recording Secretary
Corresponding Secretary
Director of Training
Agility Department Head
Behavior Department Head
Flyball Department Head
Obedience Department Head
Tracking Department Head
Therapy Department Head
Achievements/Awards
Building Management
Library
Rental Requests
Masthead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Snapshot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
In the ring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Barks & books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Club calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Bouquets & biscuits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Follow TCOTC
facebook.com/tcotc
2
Karen Radford
Christina Pilon
Mary Steinbauer
Janna Netland Lover
Kristen Klemann
Open
Anne Bentley
Open
Jane Jacobson
Jane Jacobson
Rhonda Noetzelman
Carol Ouhl
Katie Brittan
Nanette Malcomson
Open
Mary Steinbauer
SARA BROKAW, VAL CODY, LYNSY VAN DRASEK, TOM GLEASON, JANNA NETLAND LOVER
SNAPSHOT
Winter wonderland
3
SPOTLIGHT
TCOTC’s mural
by Cheryl Laurent
A
ANNA KUCERA
s you enter TCOTC, a vivid mural
meets your eyes. The dogs are big
and bright and colorful, jumping and
playing and working. “I can’t do a quiet
painting,” said the artist, Alex Boies.
“Art for me is more of an emotional
experience.”
Boies trains her Bouvier, Boomer
(“Boo” to his friends), at the club
and serves as an adjunct member of
the board of directors. When she
suggested ideas to freshen the look of
the facility, the board’s options were
limited, so they asked Boies to pick an
indoor wall and apply her talents.
Born in Minnesota, Boies was raised in
New York City and New Jersey before
returning to Minnesota in 1967 and
getting her BFA and MFA in Fine Arts.
Hers is the third generation of a highly
creative family. Her grandmother was
Brenda Ueland, author of If You Want
to Write. Her father was a cartoonist.
Her mother was a designer of
children’s clothing, and her brother was
an actor, singing waiter and editorial
assistant.
“I’ve always thought outside the box,”
Boies said. And outside the building.
And outside public transit. Her
work has appeared on the side of a
University of Minnesota building and
on buses and shopping bags at the
Mall of America. “I had a gut feeling
that I’d do well in Japan,” said Boies,
and she hired a guide to take her there.
Her paintings ended up brightening
the outside of commuter trains, and
a large sculpture of a fish was part
of an Osaka shopping mall until a
devastating earthquake hit.
To see this artwork and more, visit
AlexBoies.com.
4
FOCUS
A world championship
BY KORY KAYE
I
t was an honor to represent the
USA at the Fédération Cynologique
Internationale (FCI) World
Championships in Johannesburg,
South Africa.
What an experience! I’ve met some
of the finest people around (and what
do you know? They’re dog people,
too!). To say it was all fun would be
a “liar, liar, pants on fire” statement.
It was mostly hard work and a lot of
paperwork! The travel arrangements
were a challenge to say the least. But
when all was said and done, and we
were finally on our way, it was truly a
“trip of a lifetime.”
first time in
more than 16
hours. Then
we were off
to the hotel,
where we met
up with Team
Coach Ann
Braue, Team
Leader Steve
Croxford and
our Team
Photographer
Lisa Jack,
as they had
arrived before
us. The hotel
had never had
dogs before
and had no
idea what to
expect. They
were gracious
hosts, and it
was a very
nice facility
with a large,
flat grassy
yard for the
dogs. Meals
were lovely
(though
the pace
of dining
is not at all
what we’re
accustomed
to here, and a
meal was typically a several hour event
no matter where you dined).
When we first arrived in South Africa,
we were met by the event hosts and
travel agent. They made sure each
team arrived safely, and they got us
on our bus to the cargo area to pick
up our dogs and let them out for the
The following morning, we took the
opportunity to see Johannesburg.
It’s a large metropolitan city with so
much to see. Our guides were very
open about the good and bad parts
of their city and the history of their
Our journey began last May when
we were selected for the team. I was
not at all convinced I wanted to take
Kaemon on this trip. Arguably (ok, I
really don’t think there is any argument
at all), Kaemon and I were NOT ready
for this high level of competition! But
so many of my friends encouraged me
and convinced me that I should not
pass up this opportunity.
So I took the position of: “Not ready?
I guess we’ll just have to fix that!” And
train we did! Aside from training at
home, we were invited to participate
in the practice session in Sacramento,
Calif., for both the FCI team and
the European Open team. Another
awesome training session for the just
the FCI World Team competitors
took place in Eau Claire, Wisc., in
September.
5
SUBMITTED PHOTO
country. We were able to stop and
see the Apartheid Museum while
we were there. We also traveled to
“The Cradle of Humankind” (where
anthropologists believe man, as we
know it, originated).
In addition, we were invited to the
home of the South African agility
exhibitor to train and get the kinks
out. It was the first of two team
FOCUS
A world championship, cont.
BY KORY KAYE
practices prior to the “official” practice
at the show site. The following day,
our whole team went to the Lion
Park. We saw many lions, zebras,
antelope, wild dogs as well as cheetah.
But the highlight for me was feeding
the giraffe! What a HUGE but gentle
creature — with a very LONG tongue!
Finally, it was off to the competition.
Day one was a vet check, measuring
and practice sets. Yes, the vet actually
goes over you dog. Your paperwork is
reviewed, and your dog is scanned for
his microchip and officially measured.
(By the way, your dog is scanned for
a microchip after EVERY run at this
tournament!)
Once vet check was done, you
waited for your turn to practice on
the actual equipment used at the
competition. This was set up much
the same way as it was at the World
Team Tryouts in Hopkins, Minn. (If
you haven’t watched World Team
Tryouts, I would encourage you to
go. It’s a great competition, held in
May and admission is free!) At this
year’s world championship, they
added a day of competition called
“The Africa Cup.” It was at the same
site and with same equipment as the
World Championships, so getting this
opportunity was a real plus and a lot of
fun as well.
Eventually, the moment arrived, and
the Agility World Championships
started! The opening ceremonies were
filled with drumming and dancing by
one of the local cultural dance groups.
What a lovely show they provided for
us. After some short speeches, it was
time for the competition to begin.
Starting with small dog team jumping,
we saw USA on the podium with silver
and, shortly after, the large team on the
podium with bronze!
Run after run was challenging.
The exhibitors and the crowds
were really into all the runs and a
great performance was cheered by
everyone! There were so many superb
performances. The entire event was
a joy to watch. Part way through, a
member of the Austrian team sang a
solo to his girlfriend and proposed to
her (she said “Yes.”) And so went the
weekend: challenging courses, exciting
runs, lots of cheering. It was a fine
example of sportsmanship all around.
Though USA made the podium
many times over the weekend, we
really brought home much more
than just medals. There were many
new friendships and so many great
memories. Some went home with
practically a new wardrobe! For those
unfamiliar, it’s common to trade your
team shirts and jackets with members
of the other teams.
For me, I also gained a much deeper
relationship with Kaemon over the
summer. For this, I’ll be forever
grateful. I’d like to thank all my
teammates and supporters for such a
fantastic experience. And thanks also
to those at home who cared for my
dogs and my house while I was gone.
It was truly a trip of a lifetime with
my very special teammates. My advice:
when offered your “opportunity of a
lifetime” (whatever it is), DON’T PASS
on it! Do it! Live it! Enjoy every minute
of it! I’m so very glad that I did.
New observer class
A
brand new observer class will start Monday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. The cost is $110 for nine weeks. Not only do
participants watch and learn about dog communication using body language, the class covers learning theory and
positive reinforcement training. If you’re interested in becoming an assistant, or eventually an instructor, this is the class
for you! Learn more at TCOTC.com.
6
IN THE RING
TCOTC’s new mats
I
f you’ve visited TCOTC in the last
few months, you’ve undoubtedly
noticed the beautiful new mats in the
ring room. You might not know how
we got the old mats out and the new
mats in place.
There were two layers of the old green
mats covering the ring room floor
that needed to be removed before we
could lay the new mats. Starting on
a Thursday evening and into Friday
morning, volunteers pulled up the tape,
rolled up and removed the old mats.
After the mats were out, the floor was
scrubbed and disinfected, so we could
have a clean start with the new mats.
placed and taped with amazing speed.
A second team of volunteers washed
all the barriers before they were
returned to their original locations.
Many thanks to the great volunteers
who helped finish this project a full day
ahead of schedule!
Scott McKenzie, Jane Jacobson, Corrie
Barrows, Lynette Voss, Vicki Hagens, Ellen
Voeller, Steve Voeller, Janna Netland Lover,
Marcha LeDuc, Caroline LeDuc, Nanette
Malcomson, Kent Malcomson, Tom Bonhiver,
Justin Bonhiver, Theresa Strike, Trisha
Hetue, Christine Schultz, Jodie Banner, John
Wexler, Aiko Kano-Kucera, Tom Gleason,
Pat Seeley, Bob Nelson
The new mats arrived in six-foot-wide
rolls weighing 225 pounds each. Our
fine crew had plenty of muscle power,
and the mats were measured, cut,
Barks & books
A DOG’s PURPOSE
by W. Bruce Cameron
T
his is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over
the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog’s
Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life’s most basic question:
Why are we here?
Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a
tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s search for his new life’s meaning leads
him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures,
Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog. But this life as a beloved family
pet is not the end of Bailey’s journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders:
Will he ever find his purpose?
Heartwarming, insightful and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog’s Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story
of a dog’s many lives, but also a dog’s-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man
and man’s best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are
always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose. — Powell’s Books
7
SUBMITTED PHOTO
by KAREN RADFORD
CLUB CALENDAR
Thursday, Jan. 2 • 1-3 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 16 • 1-3 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 3 • 5:50-6:50 p.m.
Open ring: agility and obedience
Open ring: agility and obedience
Obedience run-thrus
Entire facility
$5/10 minutes/dog
Entire facility
$5/10 minutes/dog
Rings 1 and 2
$5/dog (TCOTC members), $6/dog (nonmembers)
Thursday, Jan. 2 • 8-9 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 17 • 7-8:30 p.m.
Orientation for basic training
Open ring: agility
Thursday, Feb. 6 • 1-3 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 20 • 5:50-6:50 p.m.
Entire facility
$5/10 minutes/dog
Meeting room
Open to the public (no dogs allowed)
Friday/Saturday/Sunday, Jan. 3-5 • 12 p.m.
Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday
Annex
Obedience run-thrus
Entire facility
Rings 1 and 2
$5/dog (TCOTC members), $6/dog (nonmembers)
Monday, Jan. 6 • 5:50-6:50 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 21 • 7-9 p.m.
Obedience run-thrus
TCOTC staff meeting
TCOTC agility trial
Rings 1 and 2
$5/dog (TCOTC members), $6/dog (nonmembers)
Tuesday, Jan. 7 • 7-10 p.m.
Therapy dog overview seminar
Meeting room
No advanced registration required (dogs
allowed)
Thursday, Jan. 9 • 1-3 p.m.
Open ring: agility and obedience
Entire facility
$5/10 minutes/dog
Open ring: agility and obedience
Monday, Feb. 10 • 5:50-6:50 p.m.
Obedience run-thrus
Rings 1 and 2
$5/dog (TCOTC members), $6/dog (nonmembers)
Ring room
Thursday, Feb. 13 • 1-3 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 23 • 1-3 p.m.
Entire facility
$5/10 minutes/dog
Open ring: agility and obedience
Open ring: agility and obedience
Entire facility
$5/10 minutes/dog
Thursday, Feb. 13 • 8-9 p.m.
Friday/Saturday/Sunday, Jan. 24-26 •
12 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday
Meeting room
Open to the public (no dogs allowed)
Animal Inn flyball tournament
Orientation for basic training
Entire facility
Friday/Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 14-16 •
12 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday
Monday, Jan. 27 • 5:50-6:50 p.m.
SuperNova flyball tournament
Obedience run-thrus
Entire facility
Rings 1 and 2
$5/dog (TCOTC members), $6/dog (nonmembers)
Monday, Feb. 17 • 5:50-6:50 p.m.
Entire facility
Wednesday, Jan. 29 • 8-9 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 13 • 5:50-6:50 p.m.
Rings 1 and 2
$5/dog (TCOTC members), $6/dog (nonmembers)
Meeting room
Open to the public (no dogs allowed)
Friday/Saturday/Sunday, Jan. 10-12 •
12 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday
Balls Out flyball tournament
Obedience run-thrus
Rings 1 and 2
$5/dog (TCOTC members), $6/dog (nonmembers)
Tuesday, Jan. 14 • 7-9 p.m.
TCOTC annual meeting
Orientation for basic training
Thursday, Jan. 30 • 1-3 p.m.
Open ring: agility and obedience
Entire facility
$5/10 minutes/dog
Obedience run-thrus
Thursday, Feb. 20 • 1-3 p.m.
Open ring: agility and obedience
Entire facility
$5/10 minutes/dog
Friday/Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 21-23 •
12 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday
MKC AKC obedience trial
Meeting room
All members invited to attend
Entire facility
Monday, Feb. 24 • 8-9 p.m.
Orientation for basic training
Meeting room
Open to the public (no dogs allowed)
Bouquets & biscuits
Friday/Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 28-March 2 •
12 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday
C
ongratulations to everyone who earned titles, legs,
awards, certifications and more! Check out the latest
club member achievements at tcotc.com and submit
your own at tcotc.com/achievements. Email Katie at
KTBrit@aol.com with questions.
TCOTC agility trial
Entire facility
8
Annual Awards Banquet
Saturday, January 25th, 2014
Join your TCOTC friends for a fun night out!
Did your dog earn any titles in 2013? http://tcotc.com/achievements
Celebrate your achievements with us over a fine meal and great conversation.
We will give out special awards & show an amazing slide show with members photos.
Cocktails at 6:00 p.m. Dinner at 7:00 p.m., followed by the awards program
Kozlak’s Royal Oak Restaurant
4785 Hodgson Rd Shoreview, MN 55126-6014
(651) 484-8484
Directions from 35W: Take the Highway 96 Exit. Go East on Highway 96 for about 3 miles to Hodgson
Rd./Hwy 49. Go North (Left) on Hodgson Rd./Hwy 49. Kozlak’s Royal Oak is about 1/3 of a mile on the
left.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Please respond by Thursday, January 16th, 2014. Space is limited!
Please do not wait until the last minute – It really is a blast!!
Return this portion with your payment (check made out to TCOTC) to:
Katie Brittan, 189 201st Ave NW, Cedar, MN 55011
Name(s) attending: ________________________________________________________________
Phone number and/or email (if questions): _____________________________________________
Please indicate number per meal and appropriate price(s):
Full price
$32.00
Half Price
$16.00
___________ Sautéed Chicken Breast with Supreme Sauce
$25.00
$12.50
___________ Baked Salmon Filet w/ Chardonnay Dill sauce
$30.00
$15.00
___________ Alfredo Pasta tossed with Steamed Vegetables
$25.00
$12.50
___________ Broiled Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce
*** Any person who qualifies for free or discounted training classes during the past year
may pay half-price for their meal ***
Each dinner includes house salad, baked potato, vegetable, fresh baked French bread, coffee or tea, and
Kozlak’s Royal Oak Gourmet White Cake. Beer, wine, or other beverages are available at an additional
cost. Prices include 7.125% tax and 17% gratuity.
Email Katie at KTBrit@aol.com if you have questions.
9
Twin Cities Obedience Training Club, Inc.
2101 Broadway St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
612.379.1332