A Quarterly Publication Of The South Central Giant .

AKC RALLYCH Elliott Unique Saphire Scout VCD1 RE OAP NFWhat is AKC Rally?AKC Rally is the new dog sport that is taking thenation by storm, a successful stepping stone from theAKC Canine Good Citizen program to the world ofobedience or agility. Rally offers both the dogs andhandlers an experience that is fun and energizing.AKC Rally is a companion sport to AKC Obedience.Both require teamwork between dog and handler alongwith similar performance skills.Rally provides an excellent introduction to AKC Companion Events for new dogs and handlers and can provide a challenging opportunity for competitors in otherevents to strengthen their skills. The dog and handlerteam move at their own pace, very similar to rallystyle auto racing.Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner inmind, but it can still be very challenging for those whoenjoy higher levels of competition. A rally course includes 10 to 20 stations, depending on the level. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience. Communication from the handler to the dog is encouragedand perfect heel position is not required, but thereshould be a sense of teamwork and enthusiasm as theygo through the course.Robyn Elliott and Scout competing in Rally.Scout, at 12 years old attended the 2014 NationalSpecialty in St. Louis, MO and competed in Rally. He is just one leg (qualification) short of his Rally Advanced Excellent (RAE) title. At the National,Scout had to qualify in both Rally Excellent and Rally Advanced. On two of the days, including the National Specialty, he earned the High Combinedaward for getting the top score in both Rally Excellent and Rally Advanced!It is so fun to have a veteran dog still actively competing. Rally seems to be a lot more fun toScout. It is like an obedience obstacle course, instead of the traditional obedience tasks. In Rally,there are signs to tell the handler what exercise toperform and the handler can ask the judge clarifyingquestions about each obstacle. The handler cantalk to the dog, give multiple commands and evenclap or point in novice and advanced.The team of dog and handler moves continuously at abrisk, but normal, pace with the dog under control atthe handler's left side. There should be a sense ofteamwork between the dog and handler both duringthe numbered exercises and between the exercisesigns; however, perfect "heel position" is not required.Any faults in traditional obedience that would be evaluated and scored as a one-point deduction or moreshould be scored the same in Rally, unless otherwisementioned in the Rally Regulations. After the judge's"Forward" order, the team is on its own to completethe entire sequence of numbered signs correctly.Multiple commands and/or signals using one or botharms and hands are allowed; the handler's arms neednot be maintained in any particular position at anytime. The handler may not touch the dog or makephysical corrections. At any time during the performance, loud or harsh commands or intimidating signals will be penalized.Unlimited communication from the handler to the dogis to be encouraged and not penalized. Unless otherwise specified in these Regulations, handlers are permitted to talk, praise, encourage, clap their hands, pattheir legs, or use any verbal means of encouragement.Rally provides a link from the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program to obedience or agility competition,both for dogs and handlers. In addition, rally promotesfun and enjoyment for dogs at all levels of competition.Volume XII, Issue #1 Page 5

Rally, continuedoRally SignsoThe signs may be any color and they include descriptions as well as directional arrows of exercises. Signsare numbered to make it easy to find the next stationwhen navigating the course. All signs are placed to thehandler’s right side. The signs are large enough to beeasily recognized when going through a course. Theexercises designated on the signs will be performed inclose proximity to the sign itself, either directly in frontof, or in front of and to the left of the sign.Handlers are only allowed to encourage their dogsverbally. Physical encouragement is not allowedat this level.The Excellent-level exercises include backing upthree steps, while the dog stays in the heel position and a moving stand, while the handler walksaround the dog.Qualifying Performance/ScoreA qualifying performance indicates that the dog has performed the required exercises according to the AKCRally Regulations. Each performance is timed, but timesare only counted if two dogs earn the same score. Alldogs and handlers begin with a perfect 100. A dog andhandler team is awarded a qualifying score if it retainsat least 70 points after the course has been completed.Once the team has completed the course, their score willbe posted ringside.Rally TitlesExamples of Rally SignsLevels of CompetitionThe three levels of competition in AKC Rally:Novice – this is the first level for those just gettingstarted in competition.o All exercises are performed with the dog on leash.o There is a requirement of 10-15 stations to complete with no more than five stationary exercises.o The exercises performed vary from turning 360degrees to changing paces during the course.o Exhibitors at this level may clap their hands andpat their legs through the course.Advanced – this is the second level, which includesmore difficult exercises throughout the course.oooAll exercises are performed off-leash.There is a requirement of 12-17 stations with nomore than seven stationary exercises.Exercises include a jump as well as calling yourdog to the front of you instead of to a heel position.Excellent – this third and highest level of AKC Rallyis the most challenging.o Exercises are performed off-leash except for thehonor exercise.o There is a requirement of 15-20 stations, with nomore than 7 stationary exercises.The dogs must earn three qualifying scores under twodifferent judges in order to receive a rally title. The titles that can be earned are:Rally Novice: RNRally Advanced: RARally Excellent: RERally Advanced Excellent: RAEThe requirement for the RAE title is that the dog mustqualify ten times in both the Advanced B class and theExcellent B class at the same trial.How do I get started in Rally?Many AKC clubs conduct a variety of classes, instructed by experienced trainers who have earned titles andawards in obedience competitions with their own dogs.These people are up-to-date on the latest training techniques. They have experience training different breedsof dogs, mixed breeds and purebreds, and prospectivestudents are usually welcome to observe a class beforesigning up for a training course.When you attend a class with your dog, instructors willshow you how to train your dog and will expect you topractice at home. The younger the dog, the shorter thepractice sessions should be. For the best results, bothyou and your dog should enjoy frequent short sessions,combined with some play and rewards.To find AKC clubs in your area that offer training,please visit our Training Resources section of our website, www.akc.org.Continued, page 7Volume XII, Issue #1 Page 6

certain AKC events, such as obedience, agility, tracking, rally and many performance events. Photos are required to prove the dog is a registerable breed. The dogmust be spayed or neutered. For more information aboutthe PAL/ILP program, visit the PAL/ILP section on theAKC web site, or e-mail questions to PAL@akc.org.Rally, continuedEligibility to Perform inAKC Performance EventsTo be eligible to compete in AKC Rally trials, or otherAKC performance events, a dog must be six months ofage or older and be either: Registered with the AKC Listed with the AKC Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege (PAL/ILP) program Listed with the AKC Canine Partners program.The Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite ListingPrivilege (PAL/ILP)AKC Canine Partners ProgramThe AKC Canine Partners program is for anyone whohas a dog they want to enter AKC events with. This program allows mixed-breed dogs or dogs ineligible forAKC registration to compete in AKC events such asobedience, rally, and agility. The dogs must be spayedor neutered in order to compete. For more informationabout the AKC Canine Partners program you can visitthe AKC Canine Parters homepage or if you have anyquestions, you can email akccaninepartners@akc.org Dogs of any breed recognized by the AKC that do nothave registration papers or known parents may qualifyfor a Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite ListingPrivilege (PAL/ILP). PAL/ILP dogs may participate inexcerpted from American Kennel Club websitewww.akc.orgThese snowbunnies arehaving fun!They belong toChris & Jean Erath.Top row:OliviaBottom row:Payton,Olivia and PaytonVolume XII, Issue #1 Page 7

Winnie Turns 14Ch. Blitz’ Winterwonderland celebrated her 14 thbirthday in style in December 2014. She hadrequested a new memory mattress, which shepromptly added to her three mattresses (shelikes to be the Princess and the Pea). In addition, she received many toys from her cousins(Turti and Luther and Zoe and Barkley Chism).Under Luther’s guidance, the celebration beganwith cheeseburgers from the Golden Arches(complete with candles). The following weekend, Jane, Zoe, and Barkley Chism continued theparty by bringing more presents and an ItalianCrème Cake. Highlights of the weekend includeLuther steeling all the toys and Winnie runningto the table for more cake, sneaking underJane’s arm in order to be near the fork.At a much younger age, Winnie received herChampionship in 2002. Most of her wins werein Colorado and the Rocky Mountains. However, she did come back to the Texas/Louisianaarea to finish her championship. During hershow career, Winnie received two Group 4, aGroup 2, and the First Prize in the 12-18month Sweepstakes at the Giant SchnauzerClub Western Region Specialty held in Denver(February 2002). Winnie retired from the showring, had two litters of puppies, and then settled down to become the Grande Dame of Central Texas.Winnie is already planning her party for nextyear. Of course, she expects many more presents, another mattress, cheeseburgers, andanother Italian Crème Cake.Winnie is owned and loved by Tina Fields.Volume XII, Issue #1 Page 8

RESCUE UPDATEby Jane ChismI hope everyone had great holidays! The onething that unfortunately never ends is Rescue.The last couple of months have been no exception, with phone calls about two giants looking fornew homes. I’d like to send out special thanks toAnn Etta Dunning, Brenda Cejka and Audrey Foxfor their help!Ann Etta contacted me in December about ayoung female. She picked her up and kept heruntil Tina Fields could get there to take her. Sincethen we’re happy to report that she’s gone off toa fantastic home in the Pacific Northwest, andobviously loves her new Mom!In January Audrey contacted me about a possible giant rescue in the Houston area, and thatvery evening I got a phone call from the homethat was fostering him. I asked for pictures, andimagine my surprise to see a young male pepper/salt giant! I contacted Brenda Cejka forhelp. She and Robert immediately went to gethim. As it happens though, his time in rescue wasshort-lived. I understand there were some kisseson their way home, and by the time their shortdrive was over, Max became a permanent member of the Cejka family!MaxMolleeTina and I really appreciate the help and support.Both rescues are in fantastic homes now due tothe efforts of our SCGSC members! Welcome to NewSCGSC MemberSGaby Donley&Ellen VannoyVolume XII, Issue #1 Page 9

Pollakiuria: Why is My PetUrinating More OftenThan Normal?Pollakiuria is a fun word to pronounce (pol′ă-kē-yū′rē-ă),but it’s certainly not a fun symptom to deal with. Pollakiuria means increased frequency of urination. Dogs withthis symptom ask to go outside more frequently thannormal, often round the clock. The well house traineddog may begin leaving puddles in the house and catswith pollakiuria are in and out of the litter box with increased frequency. Some kitties abandon the box altogether choosing other places to urinate.Pollakiuria caused by lower urinary tractdiseasePollakiuria is most commonly caused by abnormalitieswithin the lower urinary tract, consisting of the bladderand urethra. The urethra is the narrow tube that transports urine from the bladder to the outside world.Lower urinary tract disease may cause a dog or cat tosense the need to urinate well before their bladder isfull, and the puddles produced are quite small. If everyou’ve experienced a bladder infection, no doubt youcan relate to this sensation.Common lower urinary tract maladies that cause pollakiuria include:1. Bacterial infection within the bladder, aka bacterialcystitis: common in dogs, relatively uncommon incats2. Stones within the bladder or urethra: common indogs and cats3. Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)- an inflammatorycondition of unknown cause affecting the bladderand/or urethra: purely cats4. Tumors or polyps within the bladder or urethra: relatively common in dogs, less common in catsPollakiuria caused by increased thirstSome diseases causing pollakiuria are associated withincreased thirst (polydipsia). Excess water intake andexcess urine production (polyuria) go hand in hand. Theanimal drinks more, therefore the bladder fills more rap-idly and frequently, and the puddles produced are quitelarge. Causes of increased thirst and urine production indogs and cats include:1. Hormonal imbalances Diabetes mellitus: dogs and cats Diabetes insipidus: primarily dogs Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease):primarily dogs Hyperthyroidism: primarily cats2. Kidney disease Kidney failure: dogs and cats Pyelonephritis (kidney infection): dogs andcats3. Liver disease: dogs and cats4. Pyometra: primarily dogs5. Medications Cortisone containing products: primarily dogs Anti-seizure medications: dogs and cats Diuretics: dogs and catsRecognizing pollakiuriaSome pollakiuric pets show overt symptoms (the kittywho urinates in the bathroom sink or the dog wholeaves a bedside puddle for you to step in first thing inthe morning). Other pets show more subtle symptoms.Be on the lookout for: Increased frequency of urination on walksIncreased number of puddles in the litter boxA litter box that needs to be changed more frequently Interrupted sleep because your pet is asking to gooutside The need to fill the water bowl more frequentlythan usualIf such symptoms arise, I encourage you to schedule avisit with your veterinarian. Do your best to arrive with afull bladder (your pet’s that is) because testing a urinesample will be an important first step in arriving at adiagnosis. This is best accomplished by taking yourkitty’s litter box away a few hours prior to the office visit.Likewise, avoid walking your dog before the visit, andget into the waiting room quickly so as to avoid thosemany tempting places to urinate just outside the clinic.by Nancy Kay, DVMwww.speakingforspot.com/blogRecipient, AKC Club Publication Excellence AwardDiplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal MedicineAuthor of Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer LifeAuthor of Your Dog's Best Health: A Dozen Reasonable Things to Expect From Your VetRecipient, Leo K. Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year AwardRecipient, American Animal Hospital Association Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics AwardRecipient, Dog Writers Association of America Award for Best BlogVolume XII, Issue #1 Page 10

Three Reasons ToReconsider Spay/NeuterWestminster Kennel Club 2015The topic of spay/neuter is emotionally charged for many pet owners. It’s become the “responsible” thing to doand we commonly hearBESTof the benefitsof this surgerybut rarely the risks.And when savvy pet owners forgo orOF BREEDCOMPETITIONRESULTSdelay spay/neuter to mitigate that risk, they’refrequentlyvilifiedforcontributingto the pet over population probFebruary 17, 2015lem. But decisions made on emotion aren’t usually the best kinds of decisions we can make. So indulge me while IJudge: Mr.Roberttake an objective and scientific look at what’s causingall thefuss.ShreveWe’ll start with the most recent reason to reconsider spay/neuter.In February 2014, a study was completed on over 2500 Vizsla dogs and the results were a blow to those who vehemently defend spay/neuter.BestBut thisstudyGCHis justSKANSEN'Sthe most recent ofa long lineof work showing that removing aof latestBreed:HOLYKNIGHTquarter of the dog’s endocrine enot even in the best interSex: Dog Breeder: Sylvia Hammastrom Owner: Cornelia Kingests of rescues and shelters. Let’s look at what this research shows as the three most important reasons you shouldreconsider spay/neuter.Best of Opposite Sex: GCH LOWDOWN REMYS GIRL V ARDENHOUTSex: Bitch Breeder: Janine Starink & Lisa Hawes Owner: Linda Low & Lisa Hawes & Janine StarinkSpay/Neuter and Joint DiseaseWe’ll get to the Vizsla study thatI mentioneddidn’t investigatethe link between spay/neuter and joint disSelectDog: later.CH TheySKANSEN'SKALIFORNIAease, but they didn’tto - therewasalready plentyOwner:of researchshowing thelink. StrombergSex:reallyDog needBreeder:SylviaHammarstromBen Franzoso& AnnaHip DysplasiaSelect Bitch: GCH KENRO'S TIME IS eR McGee& RobinofJ ageGreensladeA study on Golden Retrievers foundthat Jmaledogs whoOwner:were neutered12 monthshad double the riskof hip dysplasia than their intact counterparts (Torres de la Riva G, Hart BL, Farver TB, Oberbauer AM, MessamMerit:GCHNIGHTLINEVIKINGTANGLEWOODLLM, et al. (2013) AwardNeuteringofDogs:Effectson JointDisorders andCancersATin GoldenRetrievers)Sex: Dog Breeder: Deborah L Wiebe & Ed Fojtik Owner: Chris & Jean Erath & Ed Fojtik &Other research shows that dogs sterilized before the age of six monthsCatherinehave a 70%increased risk of developing hipWattersondysplasia. The authors of this study (Spain et al, JAVMA 2004), propose that “it is possible that the increase in bonelength that results from early-age gonadectomy results in changes in joint conformation, which could lead to a diagnosis of hip dysplasia.”There’s even more evidence that spay/neuter can increase the risk of hip dysplasia. Van Hagen et al (Am J Vet Res,Feb 2005), found that of the sample dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia, those that were neutered six months prior tothe diagnosis were nearly twice as likely to develop hip dysplasia.Interestingly, a study by Dannuccia et al (Calcif Tissue Int, 19

2003, they changed their revaccination guidelines. Now this might sound like a great step forward, but there were two problems with this. First, the AAHA and AVMA only changed their rec-ommendations from annual to every three years. Dr. Richard Ford, Professor of Medicine, North Caroli-na State University, a member of the AAHA task force,