Spring 2012 Barbet Newsletter

Volume 9
Spring 2012
The Newsletter of the
A publication of the Barbet Club of America, Inc.
AKC ADMITS BARBET TO RETRIEVER HUNT TESTS
At the AKC April Board Meeting, the Board reviewed a request from the Barbet Club of
America, requesting that the breed be allowed
to participate in AKC Retriever Hunting Tests.
Without objection the Barbet will be added to
the list of breeds eligible to participate in Retriever Hunting Tests effective September 1,
2012.
According to the AKC, “The purpose of a
Hunting Test for Retrievers is to test the merits
of and evaluate the abilities of Retrievers in
the field in order to determine their suitability
and ability as hunting companions. Hunting
Tests must, therefore, simulate as nearly as
possible the conditions met in a true hunting
situation. Dogs are expected to retrieve any type of game bird under all conditions and the
Judges and the Hunting Test committee have complete control over the mechanics and requirements of each test.” There are three levels of titles in this program: Junior Hunter (requiring four
qualifying scores), Senior Hunter (four qualifying scores if you have earned JH, five if you skip JH)
and Master Hunter (five with SH, six if you skip SH). Unlike obedience, you do not have to achieve
the previous level title to enter and title in the higher levels. You can even go straight to Master
Hunter if you and your retrieving partner are ready.
More information on the program can be found at http://www.akc.org/events/hunting_tests/retrievers/index.cfm
Thanks to Max Hutchinson for contributing the necessary supporting documentation to the AKC
AKC Recognized and FSS Breeds Eligible to
Compete in Retriever Trials
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American Water Spaniels (effective 4/1/11)
Barbet (effective 9/1/12)
Boykin Spaniels (effective 12/1/11)
Chesapeake Retrievers
Curly-Coated Retrievers
Drentsche Patrijshond (Drent) (effective 9/1/12)
Flat-Coated Retrievers
German Shorthaired Pointer (effective 9/1/11)
German Wirehaired Pointer (effective 9/1/11)
Golden Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers
Irish Water Spaniels
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
Spinone Italiano (effective 7/1/11)
Standard Poodles
Vizsla (effective 9/1/11)
Weimaraner (effective 9/1/11)
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (effective 7/1/11)
Spayed and neutered dogs are eligible to participate.
Bitches in season are not eligible to participate.
Volume 9
Spring 2012
The Newsletter of the
A publication of the Barbet Club of America, Inc.
AMERICAN SIZE SURVEY
WHERE DOES YOUR DOG FIT IN?
Recently the Barbet Club of America sent out a survey asking our membership for the height and
weight of their adult Barbet. This information will be submitted to the French Symposium as a way for
our dogs to assist with any size changes made to the current FCI standard.
Females ranged from 16” to 21.5” with an average height of 20”
Males ranged from 20.5” to 22.9” with an average height of 22”
Females weighed from 20 lbs to 46 lbs with an average weight of 39 lbs.
Males weighed from 40 lbs to 55 lbs with an average weight of 47.6 lbs.
Whether or not you plan to attend the International Symposium in France this August, your questions are appreciated. The Club du Barbet, Lagotto et autres Chiens de Eau (French Club) and the Société Centrale
Canine (French Kennel Club) will facilitate a discussion about the Barbet that will result in a revised Standard. Please send your questions to Symposium organizer Dr Jean Loius Gessant and Club President Renee’
Rault by April 30, 2012.
To have your questions included:
Include each question in French and English.
Ask precise questions. For example, you may have questions about the “eye”. The current standard
calls for “Eyes: Round, preferably dark brown. The rim of the eyelid is black or brown.” “Is dark brown the
proper eye color for brown Barbet?” “What is the proper color rim of the eyelid for a fawn, sand, or piebald
Barbet?”
Send questions on or before April 30, 2012, to Symposium organizer Dr. Jean Loius Gessant (geissant@wannadoo.fr) and Club President Renée Rault (raultrg@aol.com).
Your questions are appreciated!
WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR DOG’S PICTURES AND ACHIEVEMENTS!
WHETHER YOUR DOG HAS SUCCESSFULLY GRADUATED FROM PUPPY KINDERGARTEN, HAS WON A SHOW
CHAMPIONSHIP, OR JUST LOOKS DARN CUTE ON YOUR COUCH, WE WANT TO LET OUR MEMBERSHIP KNOW!
EMAIL YOUR PHOTOS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NEWSLETTER TO BARBETDOGS@GMAIL.COM
2012 Major Barbet Events
May 18-20
World Dog Show
Salzburg, Austria
A sizeable Barbet entry competes at the World’s largest dog show
June 15-17
UKC Premier
Kalamazoo, MI
UKC’s largest and most prestigious event, Premier is three separate shows with a huge array of dog events. Conformation, Junior Handling, Agility, Obedience, Rally, Lure Coursing, Dock Diving, Weight Pull . On-site Camping
August 4
International Symposium of the Barbet
Chatel Guyon, France
An opportunity tor all Barbet breeders and owners to meet with the French Kennel Club to discuss matters of importance to the breed
August 24-26 Club Barbet Canada National Specialty Long Sault, Ontario
Don’t miss the first National Specialty for the Barbet held in North America. Conformation (including Altered classes),
Performance, and Field Events plus a Banquet http://www.barbet.comuf.com/index.html
Volume 9
Spring 2012
The Newsletter of the
A publication of the Barbet Club of America, Inc.
Barbet Now Utilizes AKC’s CHIC Health Database
By Stephanie Dixon and Judy Descutner
I am pleased to report that the Barbet is now entered into AKC’s CHIC health database. The Barbet Club of America, in cooperation with Club Barbet Canada, have achieved recognition within the AKC Canine Health Information
Center (CHIC) program. CHIC has established a centralized canine health database that is maintained in a secure
environment by qualified staff at the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or OFA.
This event marks a milestone for the breed in North America. This open database will provide reliable, documented
health information to owners and breeders of Barbets and will supply scientists with information that will support research into canine disease.
Based on the analysis of health databases worldwide as well as reports generated by OFA and CERF, we feel
strongly that the breed specific requirements as set forth below are straight forward and reflect the data that has already been collected for our breed. As health priorities within our breed change, as more data is collected, and as
new tests become available, the requirements for a CHIC number can be modified and updated.
The requirements in order for a Barbet to receive a CHIC number are:
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Hip Dysplasia OFA Evaluation or OVC Evaluation or PennHip Evaluation
Elbow Dysplasia OFA Evaluation or OVC Evaluation
CERF Evaluation Minimum age 12 months, recommend CERF eye exam prior to onset of
breeding and then periodically thereafter ie, every 1 - 2 years).
DNA Profiles registered with AKC or UKC recommended.
To qualify for a CHIC number each Barbet must be permanently identified by microchip or tattoo. In addition, they
will need to meet the requirements as set forth above and their owners have to agree to have their dog’s results registered and published publicly in the database. What is very exciting about this program is that test results do not
have to be normal in order for a Barbet to receive a CHIC number. As the numbers of Barbets that receive CHIC
numbers increase, breeders will have a large database available to them that documents the health status of individual Barbets and all of the dogs that are related to them, ie, siblings, parents, offspring. With this information our
club will more accurately be able to identify the prevalence of these diseases in the Barbet as well as work towards
reducing their occurrence in the breed.
It is important to understand that this is an “informed consent” database. Unless the owner releases information to
the public the results of all tests are kept confidential. There is still tremendous value in submitting the results of a Barbet’s tests if they are not normal and if you do not wish to obtain a CHIC number. By having these results submitted,
all information obtained on the dogs will be collected for statistical reporting purposes. These dogs will not be individually identified. As contact person, Stephanie Dixon will receive quarterly reports detailing the Barbets with newly
assigned CHIC numbers and/or any other pertinent record updates that occurred during each quarter.
Presently very few DNA profiles are actually on file for Barbets in the OFA system. Going forward, as new applications
are received using AKC numbers, a DNA profile on file with the AKC will be part of the information that is transmitted
back to the CHIC program. For existing dogs, there is no automated method in place for CHIC to collect this information. Mr. Eddie Dzuik at OFA has generously invited owners to email CHIC with their dog’s DNA Profile information,
their dog’s name and registration number, and CHIC will add the DNA Profile number at no charge to their record.
AKC was anxious to have Canadian Parent club participation since the breed is fully recognized in Canada in conjunction with the only American club currently devoted to the Barbet, so the collaborative effort was easily
achieved. There are Barbet who already qualify for CHIC registration, and as AKC updates the results, qualified dogs
will be receiving individual CHIC numbers.
For more information about the CHIC program please consult the following website http://
www.caninehealthinfo.org
How has owning a Barbet changed your life? Club member Joanne Campagna
opened a business in Buffalo, NY partly to appease her Barbet, Finley, who cannot get enough time in the water. Joanne opened the recreational swim center
Canine Splash with a partner, Jill Bernstein, in a warehouse near the Peace
Bridge and the two pools and whirlpool offer local dogs an opportunity to get
wet no matter what the weather is. In an effort to be gentle on the hair and skin
of the dogs, no chlorine is used. An elaborate salt water ozone system keeps
the water clean and bacteria-free. Lucky Finley enjoys frequent time in his very
own pool!
How has your Barbet changed your life? Let us know at barbetdogs@gmail.com Judy Descutner
Volume 9
Spring 2012
The Newsletter of the
A publication of the Barbet Club of America, Inc.
DOG TRAINING EQUIPMENT
PAULA KELMAN, CPDT-KA
Confused about all the dog training equipment out there? Not sure what is safe, effective, or even humane? Fear not, this
article is for you! We’ll review the most well known ones. You should always obtain hands-on instruction about the use of
any training tool BEFORE you use it on your dog. And keep in mind, except for a regular flat collar, these tools are just that--tools to assist you to train your dog.
Consider what kind of behavior you are training your dog for. This will assist you in finding equipment that will help you
meet your goal. Are you working on heeling? Does your dog pull you off your feet? Does your dog easily slip out of his
regular collar? What kind of dog do you have? Do you have a very shy and quiet dog, or a boisterous adolescent? A
large and strong dog, or a small lap dog?
A word of caution: You may have noticed a trend in my training articles--that I favor dog-friendly, humane training methods. It doesn’t mean I’ve never corrected my dogs for misbehavior, an error in judgment, or because they were in danger.
I choose to train all new behaviors with positive reinforcement because this type of training encourages happy compliance! My dogs choose to do behaviors because they know they will be rewarded for them, instead of doing a behavior
because they are afraid of the consequences if they do not. This makes a huge difference in my dogs’ emotional outlook
and their approach to the world and living with me, their benevolent leader. I will explain the tool, how it works, and its
drawbacks. But I do not recommend hurting our best friends in order to train them.
Flat Buckle Collar or Flat Snap Collar – Every dog should wear one, with his name and your telephone number either embroidered on the collar itself or on an ID tag attached to his collar. Yes, you can take his collar off when he gets home so
he can relax. But if your dog is an escape artist or goes many places with you, please keep his collar on. Also, what if an
emergency arose and your dog did not have his collar on? ALWAYS use this type of collar on a puppy (under eight months
of age). No exceptions. Use this type of collar on physically sensitive dogs.
Martingale or Limited Slip Collar – This type of collar tightens only so far before stopping. You can find them in chain or nylon fabric, or a combination of both. It was invented by an owner of greyhounds, who have very narrow skulls with thicker
necks, and who would back up and slip right out of their regular flat collars. This collar won’t strangle your dog if he pulls.
But for sensitive or reactive dogs, they are not recommended.
Harness – Sometimes called an “H” harness, because it looks like the letter H, these harnesses are simply alternatives for a
regular buckle collar when an owner does not want a collar around his or her dog’s neck. Many small dog owners will use
a harness instead of a collar, because of smaller dogs’ sensitive trachea. They are fine unless your dog is a strong puller,
which a harness will exacerbate because it affords the dog much more pulling power (think Iditarod and huskies pulling
heavy sleds).
Choke chain (also called slip collar) – These are simply chains with a ring at both ends, intended to be worn in a certain
configuration (a “P”) on the dog’s neck. They are sold everywhere without any instructions at all, and are the most frequently misused dog training tool ever invented. I see dogs all the time dragging their owners everywhere while being
continually choked by a collar that never loosens. These collars require a skilled trainer, hands-on training and well developed timing if they are to be used properly. People purchase them and, I swear, expect the collar to train the dog. When
they don’t have success, they blame the dog, yank the collar, yank harder and more often. There is no communication
here, just hurting the dog (and possibly your rotator cuff). I have seen trainers use them to cut off the dog’s airflow. They
were never intended for that purpose! These collars are not for the average dog owner—ever. They should never be used
on a puppy—ever.
Prong Collar (also called “pinch” collar) – These collars are made of linked metal with prongs or spikes sticking out of each
link. They are meant to be worn with the prongs pointing into the dog’s neck. They are very controversial in the dog training world. They are usually used by people whose dog’s power surpasses their own, because they are very effective.
When the collar is tightened, the prongs dig into the dog’s neck, causing pain, and the dog usually learns very quickly to
back up or stop pulling to reduce pressure to the collar, which in turn will reduce the pain caused by the prongs. And
don’t be fooled—there are famous trainers out there who just call their prong collars by a different name, or make it of a
different material. A prong collar is a prong collar. If you have no problems causing pain to your dog to stop him from pulling, this would be an effective tool. But be warned: I have seen dogs hit the end of the leash wearing a prong collar, and
scream in pain. I have also seen dogs pull just as hard, becoming inured to the pain caused by the collar because the reward of pulling to get where they want to go is much stronger. Sensitive dogs will be overwhelmed by this type of collar.
Also, some dogs may become more aggressive when experiencing pain in a stimulating environment. Do not use with a
retractable leash, because the pressure will be constant. Finally, if you have a temper, please do not use this tool, because it will become an instrument of torture. There are other tools to stop your dog from pulling. Read on.
Head Halter - There are a variety of head halters out there---Gentle Leaders, Halti head halters, Canny Collars to name a
few, and they all work under the same principle. They fit on a dog’s head similar to a horse halter, and if you can control
the dog’s head, you can control the dog’s entire body. These halters do not put pressure on the dog’s throat; they fit
higher and rest on the dog’s head and jaw bones. The Gentle Leader was invented by a veterinarian working with a dog
Volume 9
Spring 2012
The Newsletter of the
A publication of the Barbet Club of America, Inc.
training instructor. Halters are very effective and can be used for immediate management tools for walking on leash, eliminate pulling, getting your dog’s attention,
and other obedience work. Proper introduction to fit and use is of the utmost importance with these tools. If you simply put one on your dog and try to take a walk, you
may encounter immediate canine protest and resistance. And yanking on a head
halter can do just as much damage to a dog as yanking on a choke chain or buckle
collar. Also, dogs with pushed-in noses (pugs, shih tsus, Pekingese, Chows and boxers,
for example) will be difficult to fit. Again, don’t use these if you lose your temper easily, and don’t use any with a retractable leash, because they are not meant to provide constant pressure on the dog’s head.
The No-Pull
Harness
No Pull Harness – There are a variety of harnesses available, such as the Easy Walk,
Sensation, and Sporn harness. The Easy Walk and Sensation harnesses work on the
principle of reversing the pressure of pulling, because the leash is attached to a ring
located on the harness at the center of the dog’s front chest. When the dog pulls on
the leash, the pressure is directed to the ring, which turns the dog sideways and
thwarts the pulling. It can be like power steering, especially for people of small stature with large, strong dogs. The Sporn and similar harnesses tighten when the dog
pulls, and is meant to be uncomfortable for the dog. But dogs can learn to ignore it.
Leash – There are many kinds of leashes out there. Our class requirements are for a plain leather or nylon six foot leash. I
ask owners to learn how to use a six foot leash before they try walking their dogs with retractable leashes (not allowed in
classes), which can become entangled around a human or canine leg, create brush burns and worse. Also, if a rookie
owner drops the retractable leash, it immediately rewinds and the owner finds himself 10 feet from his dog and nothing to
grab! Scary on a busy street, eh? Manufacturers also make chain leashes, but they are unwieldy and heavy. The only
good thing I can say about them is that puppies cannot chew them. However, if your puppy is chewing a leash or a halter
or a harness, guess who is not paying enough attention? Leashes are for safety, not for training. Do not use them to yank
your dog, or pull him anywhere.
Electronic Collar – I’ll quote from Brian Kilcommons, who wrote the following in Metrodog, a Guide to Raising Your Dog in
the City. “Some people are tempted to use these to “fix” recall problems in the park or “correct” dog aggression on the
street. Properly used, at low levels on behaviors the dog understands extremely well and in a trainer’s hands, these can be
effective tools. But because the potential for misuse is so high and the results of misuse so potentially traumatic for the dog,
these are not tools for novice hands. These tools should be used by professional trainers who are experienced, understand
the dog, and have complete control over their own temper. Everyone else should steer clear….
The pure power of this equipment is immense, and you can take a dog apart mentally if you use it incorrectly. Always test
a collar on your own leg to make sure it is working properly. If you aren’t willing to do that, do not strap it on your dog.”
‘Nuff said.
Dog Containment System (such as DogStop, Invisible Fence, etc.) – This is an electronic barrier placed on your property,
where your dog wears an electronic collar that first warns him he is approaching the limit of the barrier, and then gives him
an electric shock if he tries to cross it. In some places these may be a necessary evil, such as when a family lives in a community that limits or bans fences. Unfortunately, the dog who is in his own yard inside the containment area is a sitting duck
for any other being that crosses the line, including other dogs, kids, skunks, coyotes, bears, rabid animals, etc. The dog has
no choice but to run around inside the containment area or risk being “zapped” trying to get away. If the system fails (and
they have failed), dogs have gotten electric burns on their necks, or have slipped out of the containment area, only to find
they cannot return once the system is up and running again. The best containment system is a good, real, fence.
***
New training equipment is always coming on the pet market. Do your research and make informed decisions for yourself
and your dog. You’ll be glad you did.
Have a great time training!
New Barbet Champions
Congratulations to our club members
Doris Newkirk of Whidbey Island, Washington for recently finishing the show championships on two of her dogs.
Intl/UKC Ch. Neigenuveaux’s Fleur de Lis became the second UKC Barbet Champion.
Intl. Ch. Bayport Harbor Ile Gaston became an International Champion with 4 SG1 ratings.
Stephanie Dixon of Toronto, ON for earning a UCD on Ch. Neigenuveaux’s Fleur D’Northrock UCD WC CGN
Judy Descutner of Hickory, PA for earning an International Champion title with 4 V-1 ratings on
BIS Intl/Can/UKC Ch. Neigenuveaux’s Ermagarde
This Newsletter is a publication of the Barbet Club of America. Please send all submissions to editor Judy Descutner at barbetdogs@gmail.com
Volume 9
Spring 2012
The Newsletter of the
A publication of the Barbet Club of America, Inc.
Barbet Club of America, Inc
March 5, 2012
8:30 PM EST
Minutes
Board Members in attendance: Stacy Able, President; Tracey Schabel, Vice President; Judy Descutner, Secretary; Carolynn Howsley, Treasurer
President’s Report Stacy reported on her recent participation in the Detroit Kennel Club’s Meet the
Breeds.
Vice President’s Report Tracey discussed the need to follow up with expired members by sending renewal
notices.
Treasurer’s Report Working on updating the membership info. Currently there is $79.97 in the Paypal
account, $1,852.21 in Bank of America account. Total is $1,932.18 The Delaware filing fee is paid.
John Kenney, Summit, NJ Sponsor: Stacy Able
Tracey nominated, Judy seconds. Motion passes.
Bylaws, Code of Ethics Continuing our modification of the AKC by-laws template, we went over articles
4-7 with Tracey, and articles 8-10 with Judy. By-laws will be typed and formatted, and will be sent out
for vote later this year.
Role of UKC Club, Regional Directors – General Discussion
Parent Club Committees - General Discussion
2012 Election Will be held Friday, June 15, 2012 at the UKC Premier Show in Kalamazoo, MI
2012 Fun Match, Supported Entry – We agreed to support the Barbet entry at the UKC Premier show.
Participation in French Symposium – We agreed to prepare a size survey to submit to the French Symposium.
UKC Standard Update – Stacy explained how the UKC changed the Barbet standard, which now allows
for pied coloring, but also raised the minimum height range and includes several disqualifying faults.
FSS Submission – Stacy reports that 37 or 40 FSS registrations were submitted. 70-80 Barbet will be currently registered with the AKC FSS.
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
Meeting adjourned at 10:55 PM EST
John Kenney
Summit, NJ
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Descutner, Secretary
James and Lynn Wetmore
Madawaska, ME
BARBET 101:
Grooming your Barbet is not a task to ignore. The more time that goes by, the more difficult the job will be. Always
pay attention to the condition of the coat when you touch your dog. If you feel a small mat, comb through it while
it is easily dispersed. The skin should be seen when the hair is parted. If you can’t readily see the skin, the hair needs
a thorough comb-out to the skin level. Healthy skin needs to breathe and a woven layer of hair will not allow this. If
the hair feels grungy, give your dog a nice bath and finish with conditioner. Dog-specific products will give excellent results and will rinse out easily. Never leave any product in the coat unless the product is a “leave-in” type of
conditioner. The inside of the legs, the elbows, and the belly are common places for mats to start. It is ok to thin the
hair in these areas with thinning shears to keep the tangles at bay. Always keep your Barbet in top condition!
Volume 9
Spring 2012
The Newsletter of the
A publication of the Barbet Club of America, Inc.
Barbet Club of America, Inc
April 5, 2012
9:00 PM EST
Minutes
Attended by: Stacy Able, Tracey Schnabel, Judy Descutner
President’s Report AKC FSS registrations from our club submission
have started to be sent out by the AKC.
Vice President’s Report Membership. Tracey has sent notices to all
lapsed and soon to expire members. Quite a few not responding. Discussed the importance of maintaining memberships.
Secretary’s Report
CHIC Report 1st Quarter: 4 dogs currently
qualify, 2 in Pennsylvania and 2 in Ontario. There will be more if people submit OVC results to OFA
Treasurer’s Report Bank of America account: $1,838.35, PayPal account: $118.20. Total: $1,956.55
Vote on new members James & Lynn Wetmore, Madawaska, ME
Judy seconds. Motion approved
Sponsor: Stacy Able
Tracey nominates,
Old Business
1. Membership, maintaining current and gaining new – Discussed in VP report
2. Vote to approve by-law changes Judy will put the document together and send to everyone to further edit.
Tracey is looking into Survey Monkey for voting. Not sure if it will work on free version. By-laws will be emailed
to everyone for approval.
3. Newsletter articles: Announce upcoming election, request nominations
4. Voting for officers (process) If electronic isn’t available, we will mail it.
5. UKC Premier supported entry – expected entry of several dogs
6. French Symposium update Tracey compiled the survey results – 18 dogs reported, Tallest male = 22.5”, smallest
female = 16”, 8 Females, average 20.06”, range 16-21.5”, average 38 lbs, range 20-46 lbs; 6 males 22.07” average, range 20.5 – 22.9”, average 47.67 lbs, range 45 to 55 lbs
New Business
1. Priorities – Goal setting, plan what we need to do
Keeping a list of goals, getting dogs out in front of active
dog people
2. Fundraising
3. Events
International shows are another option for showing Barbet
Any other business - None
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Descutner, Secretary
If you plan to participate in any
Meet the Breed events, please let
us know so that we can add it to
our website calendar!
ANNOUNCING ELECTIONS AND NOMINATIONS
Club elections will be held in June.
If you are interested in running for an office or
would like to nominate someone to an office,
please contact the club at
barbetclubofamerica@gmail.com and let us know
which office you are interested in.
We would love to have your help!!