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1.) A guide to AKC titles and abbreviations |
| What does it all mean? |
Welcome to the world of performance dogs, where letters and acronyms are profuse. But what do they all mean? The letters that precede and follow dog’s registered name are abbreviations for various titles of accomplishment that a dog has achieved in competition. In general, championship titles go before a dog’s name and any others go after. The primer below is not comprehensive and only lists some of the American Kennel Club (AKC) titles that a German Shorthaired Pointer can earn. There are many EGSPC members who compete in other registries, but for purposes here and because EGSPC is an AKC club, only AKC titles are listed. For more information or answers to questions regarding the requirements to earn a given title, Contact Eleanor Campbell. |
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2.) VETERANS IN THE SHOW RING
| Permission to post this lovely piece was given by Terry Russo. |
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"I see that the *Smiths* have entered their dog in the Veterans Class. Apparently there is no one in this Club who knows that it is customary to offer a round of applause for those that are entered. Six months ago, at this same show, I entered my Veteran Dog in this same class.
Not one person applauded. Not one person came up and said anything. Not one person came over to give him a kind word or a pat. Not one person made him feel he belonged again.
He was no threat to anyone. He wasn't going to beat anyone, take any points, or win anything. He was just an old dog who thought he was special again - back in the ring for the first time in many years. Maybe he even recalled his "Glory Days". He would have loved to have met anyone there. He would have welcomed you like an old friend. You didn't have to say anything nice about him if you didn't want to. But just in case you can't think of anything to say about a Veteran Dog, here are some suggestions: "It was nice to see him out there". Or go up to him and tell him he's a "Good Boy". Or tell his owner that you are glad that they brought him. Those aren't exactly compliments, but they will please his owner and make him glad that they brought him. I don't think that's asking too much. One day, all too soon, all your beautiful young dogs will be old dogs too. Maybe one day you'll enter them in a Veterans Class. And I hope that you do. Or, like many of us, you remember that old friend, now gone, and wish you still had the chance. They deserve it. It may be their final time in the sun - their last time out in front of people. Their last time to ever be in the ring. My old dog is a Fool. He thought he was wonderful that day. He thought he belonged. Instead, he was ignored. I have thought about this for 6 months now, and wasn't going to say anything. But on his behalf, and that of any other Veteran, I hope that something like this never occurs again. As a Club of (Breed) Fanciers, you should feel ashamed. Even if you dislike the dog or his owner, at least show Good Sportsmanship and do the Right Thing. Show others that you have respect for your breed. Make that Veteran Dog feel wanted and special again. Let him know that you are glad to see him. It will make his day. You may never get the chance again. Thank you."
As Lynda began reading it, the hush that fell over the room was incredible. Bless her heart, my friend Lynda broke into tears as she struggled through reading this. EVERYONE in the room lowered their heads, and many of them began to cry also, including the President (who is a man). I tried my best to hold my head up and refrain from tears, again. The President strode over to where I was sitting and in a broken voice said "Terry........I am SO sorry. He is such a wonderful dog. There is no excuse for what happened to you. And to him." As I started to say that I "wasn't going to say anything" again, the room nearly burst with everyone trying to talk at once. The discussion that followed was both eye-opening and of valuable purpose. Many came up to me in tears, with hugs and apologies. I am a very private and shy person, not given to sharing my deepest feelings easily. This had been an incredibly difficult thing for me to do, but in honor of my Veteran and all the others out there, I felt it must be done. Was it worth it?
When *Mr. Smith* took his lovely 12 1/2 year old dog (neutered due to testicular cancer) into the ring, our entire membership remained - and applauded and "whooped and hollered" him with every move. The Judge moved to the center of the ring on his final go round and applauded, as did her ring stewards. Others nearby, watching other breeds, came over and remarked on how wonderful it was to see a Veteran being treated like that. Many (including me) asked to take his picture. Everyone complimented him and his owners. If only my old dog had enjoyed such a day... Was it worth it? You tell me... Sorry for the length of this, but so many in other breeds who heard about what happened have already asked me for a copy of my written paper that I thought perhaps it was something that needed to be shared. Amazing how quickly word spreads amongst us dog people. It's often said "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". But I know one old dog who taught something of great value."
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| Complete permission to post. Terry Russo. |
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| 3.) HEAT EXHAUSTION - by Jill SWAN |
Now that summer is upon us, things are heating up, which can cause our sporting dogs to overheat during training if precautions are not taken. Keeping your dog cool and watching for signs of heat exhaustion -- after all, they have a difficult time holding back and saying no -- are just as important as the lessons you’re teaching during your outdoor sessions. Heat exhaustion, simply put, is when the body gets overheated from working (exercising) in hot, humid temperatures. To gain better insight, we’ll rely on the expertise of veterinary associates Drs. Peter Lotsikas and Chris Zink of Veterinary Orthoperdic & Sports Medicine Group in Annapolis Junction, Maryland.
What are some of the signs?
Humans regulate their body temperature primarily through the skin, such as sweating. But "dogs do not sweat like humans, and the majority of their cooling ability comes from the respiratory system," says Drs. Peter Lotsikas and Chris Zink. "Dogs will initially start to pant and salivate when they become hot. The evaporation of the saliva from their tongue, mouth, and throat removes heat from the body."
What can I do to help prevent heat exhaustion?
Coat and coat care -- The thickness of your dog’s coat is also something to consider as dogs do use their skin for heat exchange. According to our docs, "A dog's fur traps air, just like birds, which acts as an insulator when it is cold as well as when it is hot outside. This allows dilated blood vessels to exchange heat with the 'trapped' cooler air in the fur. A dog’s ability to trap insulating air will differ based on breed type and coat characteristics. Short haired breeds do not have the ability to trap air within their coat, thus these breeds are more susceptible to overheating than are double coated breeds like retrievers. Keeping short haired dogs wet during training and heavy exercise is an effective way to keep them cool. As the water evaporates, heat is removed with it.
"For a double coated or long single coated breed, you are better off only wetting the groin and abdominal areas, where the skin is thin and poorly haired, to allow for heat excha nge. Wetting the back of these dogs actually traps water in the coat, and as this trapped water begins to vaporize it will increase the humidity around the skin, actually making the dog hotter." To better help the trapping of air, keep your dog’s coat well-groomed and clean.
Physical shape -- And of course, make certain that your dog is in good training condition. Dogs not used to heavy training or working on a regular basis outside will be effected more quickly. "A conditioned dog's temperature should regulate to normal (99.5-102.5) within twenty minutes of cooling. Any temperature of above 105 persisting longer than thirty minutes following appropriate cooling requires the attention of a veterinary professional."
Water -- Make sure to offer your dog plenty of cool water intermittently during your training sessions, and make sure he drinks some. "Remember that dogs do not need to drink large amounts of water in hot weather as we do, because they do not become dehydrated from sweating. Many dogs do not drink substantial amounts on performance days and it is not a problem," says Drs. Peter Lotsikas and Chris Zink. The important thing is that the coolness of the liquid will cool down the core body temperature of the dog.
What can I do if my dog becomes overheated?
Hopefully the situation never escalates to that level, but if you are seeing signs that your dog is overheated, then you need to immerse the dog in cool water. Don't use ice water because it constricts the blood vessels and can actually increase the dog's core body temperature. "If water is limited, then you are best to apply the water directly to the belly, armpits, and groin," advises Drs. Peter Lotsikas and Chris Zink. They also recommend rubbing alcohol: "It can be applied to their paw pads, external ear flaps, and abdomen, as it evaporates quickly and is an effective method of exchanging heat."
Doctor Bios
Dr. Peter Lotsikas, DVM is an ACVS board-certified surgeon with the Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Group (VOSM) in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. Dr. Lotsikas specializes in orthopedic injuries of the performance dog. His clinical focus is on minimally invasive surgery (arthroscopy) and joint preservation.
Dr. M. Christine Zink DVM, Ph.D, DACVP is a canine sports medicine trainer affiliated with VOSM. Her expertise is in evaluating canine locomotion and designing individualized retraining and conditioning programs for the canine athlete. |
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