2016 Calendar of Events
Approved Jan. 2, 2016) (Subject to change)
Eastern Irish Setter Association
(* ISCA events; TBD (tentative To Be Determined);
TBC (To Be Confirmed)
January 2 (Sat) EISA Board Meeting, Cinnaminson NJ
10 am start followed by pot luck lunch
January 17 (Sun) EISA Supported Junior Handling Seminar
Allen’s Kennel, Moorestown NJ
Presented by Peter Kubacz,
Professional Handler
9am - 5 pm, AKC Juniors-4H Members & their dogs
Liaison: Lynne Godshall http://allenskennels.com
February 12-13 EISA All Breed Obedience/Rally Trial
(Fri-Sat) Westchester Hilton, Rye Brook, New York (Rau)
Judges: Linda S. Moore (Fri) obedience & rally
Jean Nocilly obedience(Sat) Danette Chorney rally
Anne Marie Kubacz—chairperson (liaison)
February 14 (Sun) EISA Indoor-- Westchester Hilton,
Rye Brook, New York (Rau)
Breed Judge: Michael Faulkner
Sweeps Judge: Paul Reilly
Chairperson – Susan Kwiatkowski;
Anne Marie Kubacz (liaison)
Winter Issue
2
March 26 (Sat) EISA Supported Entry (NOHS) & General Membership Meeting
New Brunswick KC, Edison, NJ (Rau)
Breed: Michael Gatsby (England)
Sweeps: Laura Bedford
EISA General Membership Meeting after conclusion of judging
*April 15-18 Irish Setter Club of America Walking Field Trial, Bloomingdale, OH
http://www.irishsetterclub.org/2016_hunt_test.html
May 7 (Sat) EISA Supported Entry; General Membership & BOD Meetings
Bucks County KC (MBF)
Breed: Sheila Smith
Sweeps: Kristofer Kelso
Annual Awards and picnic (Lydia Miller, liaison)
EISA General Membership Meeting after conclusion of judging
(followed by EISA Board Meeting)
May 28th EISA Supported Entry (NOHS), Staten Island KC (Rau)- Freehold, NJ
Breed: Ramon Valenzeula Podesta
Sweeps: Jackie Raynor
*May 30-June 4 Irish Setter Club of America National Specialty, San Diego, CA
http://www.irishsetterclub.org/2016_National_Specialty.htm
July 24 (Sun) EISA FUN DAY- Picnic (noon), General Membership &
BOD Meeting
Location: Allen’s Kennel, Moorestown, NJ.
Liaison: Lynne Godshall Time: 9:30 am EISA Board Meeting
Sept. 10th (Sat) EISA Supported Entry and General Membership Meeting
Somerset Hills KC
Judge: TBD
Sweeps: TBD
Picnic & General Membership Meeting after Irish setter judging
Anne Marie Kubacz, Liaison
Oct. 15-16 EISA Field Trial & General Membership Meeting, Dillwyn, VA
Liaison: Susan Sullivan
Secretary: Sandy Jones
Will feature VCX and VCA stakes
Oct. 29- Nov 5 Irish Setter Club of America National Field Championship,
Booneville, AR
3
Oct 7, 8, 9 Harvest Setter Specialty Cluster, Vernon, CT
EISA independent specialty is Saturday October 8 in conjunction
with ISCNE specialty and ISCCC specialties the same weekend
Chairperson: Barbara Joyal; Liaison: Debra Hamilton
Judges' hospitality coordinator: Karolynne McAteer
Chief Steward: Karolynne McAteer
Breed: Bob McKay
Sweeps: Coleen McGee
Obedience & Rally - Tibby Chase (AM EISA, PM ISCCC)
Nov. 11 (Fri) ISCA Agility Trial (fundraiser for 2017 National Specialty
Location: Dream Park, Logan Township, NJ
Liaison: Lynne Godshall
Brief EISA BOD Meetings at the show site
Dec 3 (Sat) EISA Holiday Party & General Membership Meeting & Election
Liaison: Fiona Geiser; Location: TBD
2017 Preview
January 7 (Sat) EISA BOD Meeting, Cinnaminson NJ
10 am start followed by pot luck lunch
January 14 (Sat) EISA Setter Grooming & Handling Seminar
Allen’s Kennel, Moorestown NJ
Presented by Peter Kubacz, Professional Handler
9 am to 5 pm
Liaison: Lynne Godshall; Anne Marie Kubacz
February 10, 11 EISA All Breed Obedience/Rally Trial
(Fri-Sat) Westchester Hilton, Rye Brook, New York (Rau)
February 12 EISA Indoor-- Westchester Hilton, Rye Brook, New York (Rau)
Breed Judge: Judy Bradley
Sweeps Judge: Patricia Grocott
Chairperson – TBD, Anne Marie Kubacz (liaison)
May 15-21, 2017 Irish Setter Club of America National Specialty
hosted by EISA, judges to be announced at ISCA National 2016
in June
4
2016 – Officers and Board Members of EISA
President – Fiona Geiser
1054 Wilson Avenue, Glen Mills, PA 19342
Tel 610-358-2950 Cell 484-437-8777
Vice Pres – Susan Sullivan
1728 Tacoma Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037
[email protected]; Cell 443-286-7713
Treasurer – Lynn Kwiatkowski
3 Brook Dr., Chester, NJ 07930
908-955-7165 Cell: 201-274-6293
Rec.Secy.- Mariette O’Malley
1 Jeffrey Lane, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
[email protected] Tel 856-829-0936
Cor.Secy. – AnneMarie Kubacz
170 S. Hope Chapel Rd 2 Jackson, NJ 08527
732-367-9658 Cell: 908-216-2367
Board of Directors
Class of 2016
Debra Hamilton
6 Pioneer Trail, Armonk, NY 10504
Tel 914-273-1095 Cell 914-552-5021
Patricia Lyons
1734 Middletown Rd., Glen Mills, PA 19342
[email protected]; Tel 610-558-0976
Meghan Sheehan
131 Pennington-Hopewell Rd., Hopewell, NJ 08526
[email protected]; Cell 908-246-6748
Class of 2017
Lynne Godshall
724 Kossuth St., Riverside , NJ 08075
Tel 856-461-1389 Cell 856-986-1345
724 Kossuth St., Riverside , NJ 08075
Rick Krasley
103 Evergreen Ct, Saylorsburg, PA 18353
[email protected] Cell 484-239-0041
Lydia Miller
10 Butternut Rd., Hellertown, PA 18055
[email protected] Tel 610-838-8532
Cell 610-730-4588
Class of 2018
Debra Krasley
103 EvergreenCt, Saylorsburg, PA 18353
[email protected] Cell 484-239-0041
Peter Kubacz
170 S. Hope Chapel Rd Jackson, NJ 08527
732-367-9658 Cell: 908-770-4271
Fran Sloughfy
20 Maple Shade Lane, Fleetwood, PA 19522
[email protected]; Tel 610-944-3633
5
2016 Eastern Irish Setter Association Committees: * -Liaison to the EISA BOD
Standing Committees
Annual Awards: Lydia Miller*
Plaques: Meghan Sheehan; Bucks picnic: Lydia Miller
Audit: Susan Sullivan*
Lynne Godshall, Karen Schwartz
Blarney: Susan Sullivan*
Constitution: Mariette O’Malley*
Debra Hamilton, Fran Sloughfy
Judge Selection Committee: Fran Sloughfy*
Charlie Sloughfy, Lynn Kwiatkowski
Membership: Fran Sloughfy*
Debra Krasley
New Jersey Dog Federation: Susan Sullivan*
Susan Kwiatkowski (rep)
Nominations: Fiona Geiser*
Public Relations: Debra Hamilton*
Website: Fiona Geiser*
Facebook: Lynn Kwiatkowski*
Supported Entries: Peter Kubacz*
Anne Marie Kubacz
Trophies: Anne Marie Kubacz*
Nancy Salmon (chair), Fran Sloughfy, Mariette O’Malley, Bob Feizet
Event Committees
Agility Events: Lynne Godshall*, Sue Sullivan, Anne Marie Kubacz
EISA Field Trial: Susan Sullivan*, Sandy Jones (Secretary), Pat Lyons
EISA Fun Day: Lynne Godshall*, Sue Sullivan
EISA Indoor WGS (Winter Garden Specialty): Ann Marie Kubacz*
Karolynne McAteer (chief steward), Susan Kwiatkowski (chair), Bob McKay (2nd WGS rep),
Lynn Kwiatkowski
EISA Outdoor (Harvest Cluster): Debra Hamilton*
Fran Sloughfy, Barbara Joyal (show chair), Susan Sullivan, Grounds (TBD)
Karolynne McAteer (chief steward)
ISCA Nationals (2017): Anne Marie Kubacz*
Karolynne McAteer show chair, Lynne Godshall Agility , Lynn Kwiatkowski Obedience,
Grounds (TBD)
Bench Show Committees
Indoor & Outdoor: Peter Kubacz, Pat Lyons, Debra Hamilton, Lynne Godshall, Susan Kwiatkowski, Rick Krasley,
Susan Sullivan
Field Trial: Susan Sullivan, Karolynne McAteer, Kevin Culver, Jean Culver, Sandy Jones
Agility Trial: Lynne Godshall, Lynn Kwiatkowski, Susan Kwiatkowski, Sandy Ambrogi, Susan Sullivan, Anne Marie
Kubacz
6
From the President
It has been a very active and educa-
tional experience serving as your 2015 EISA
President. The year started out with the amazing
Feb. 2015 Winter Garden Specialties in Rye, New
York where Anne Marie Kubacz coordinated her
team of workers with Susan Kwiatkowski as
show chair. The year concluded with the even
more amazing Nov 2015 ISCA Agility Trials run
by Lynne Godshall who managed to coordinate
two simultaneous EISA agility matches with Sue
Sullivan (and Blarney Editor) as a very efficient
registrar that day.
Members and their Irish turned out to
support specialties at New Brunswick (March),
the April ISCA Nationals in Georgia, the May
Buck’s annual awards picnic coordinated by Lydia Miller, the July Fun Day
at Allen’s Kennel, and the Sept Field Trial for which our new EISA honorary
member, Sandy Jones, was secretary. The last quarter was quite a whirlwind
with specialties at Somerset, Morris & Essex, and Harvest Cluster in Vernon,
CT all of which had phenomenal trophies organized by Nancy Salmon’s Tro-
phy Committee. All of this just to keep our athletic Irish Setters fit and active.
Of course, we had to keep mentally sharp ourselves staying a step ahead of our
Irish who somehow know what we are thinking.
The most fun activity for me was the July Fun Day where I got to
know our half dozen new or renewing EISA members, all of whom thrived
during the year. Special acknowledgement goes to renewing members, Debra
and Rick Krasley, who groomed and handled their Irish, “Teddy,” to an AKC
championship. Also, the club is quite proud of Alex Van Meter, Junior Han-
dler, who is a Blarney contributor, organizer of the first EISA Jan. 2016 Junior
Handler Clinic, and competitor at ISCA Nationals and Eukanuba. My special
thanks to EISA Recording Secretary, Mariette O’Malley, and to her Constitu-
tion Committee (Debra Hamilton and Fran Sloughfy) who expertly kept the
club on track to an amended EISA constitution at the September General Mem-
bership Meeting. Thanks to all EISA members for your enthusiastic participa-
tion and great team work.
7
EISA Board Meeting Minutes July 26, 2015
Call to order
A meeting of Eastern Irish Setter Association was held at Allen's Kennels in
Moorestown, NJ on July 26, 2015. The meeting was called to order at
9:5oam. Attendees included Fiona Geiser, Lynne Godshall, Lynn Kwiat-
kowski, Rick Krasley, Patricia Lyons, Mariette O'Malley, Fran Sloughfy,
Susan Sullivan.
We have a quorum.
Approval of minutes
The Minutes of the May 2, 2015 Board of Director's meeting were pre-
sented by the Recording Secretary. A motion was made and passed for
the approval of these Minutes.
Motion to Approve: Rick Krasley Second: Suze Sullivan
Vote to Approve: The Minutes were unanimously approved by those eligi-ble to vote.
Officer Reports (in order of presentation)
President's Report: The President reported for Anne Marie Kubacz that
the Trophy Committee (Nancy Salmon) was in the process of relocating .
With her home for sale, storage is becoming an issue, so the trophies have been moved to Anne Marie Kubacz's house for now. Fiona may also store
some of the trophies.
An update on the proposed theme for the 2017 National was proposed
& presented to the BOD as an all encompassing theme for the 2017
National. The theme will be presented later today to the general mem-bership and will go to final approval at the General Membership meeting
in September at Somerset. Proposed obedience judges are Bill Craif, OB
and Tibby Chase for Agility/Rally.
A straw poll of the BOD regarding the Pirate theme was taken and agreed to unanimously.
Corresponding Secretary: The Corresponding Secretary was absent; her
report was presented by the President as part of the President's report.
Treasurer's Report: There was no formal Treasury report presented, the Treasurer was absent.
8
Committees: (in order of presentation )
Standing Audit Committee: The Audit Committee reports that the books are in good order and well maintained. However, they expressed concern with the lack of regular reports and incomplete reports being provided to the BOD.
It was also noted that Profit/Loss statements for events were not provided to the BOD. After considerable discussion among the Board members, it was concluded that this responsibility is properly designated to the Chairman of individual events with the Treasurer overseeing the overall financial wellbeing of EISA. In the future, Chairman for each event will be asked to provide a financial report on the overall event.
Motion to accept report as presented: Rick Krasley Second: Suze Sullivan
The motion was unanimously approved.
Discussion to clarify the publication of financials in the Blarney. Motion to
publish limited financial information, limited to final Profit & Loss of indi-
vidual events.
Motion : Rick Krasley
Second: Fran
Sloughfy The motion was
unanimously approved.
Nominating Committee: Anne Marie Kubacz, Lynne Godshall, Debra Kra-sley, Charlie Sloughfy, Karolynne McAteer and Ashley Tripodi (alternate) all accepted there assignment to the Nominating Committee. The Commit-tee has asked that any current BOD or Officers considering resigning or wishing to return notify the Committee, in writing, email is fine.
Judge Selection Committee: A report from Anne Marie Kubacz with up-
date on Judges' acceptance and current needs was provided. They are as
follows:
New Brunswick 2016 - Michael Gatsby (England) ; Need a Sweeps Judge at this time. Bucks 2016 - Choice between two judges from Buck's list; need a Sweepstakes Judge. Indoor 2017 - Both Judges confirmed; Judy
9
Bradley - Breed; Patti Grocott - Sweeps
Outdoor 2016 or 2017 -Anne Marie recommends locking in one Judge
for 2016 since the other Judge is not available for that date.
Anne Marie expressed the need to begin a new Judge Selection vote. There
is no designated time but the list is dated at this point. She suggests sending
the list out this Fall so we have it ready for next year.
Some concern was expressed about the limitations being forced upon EISA
by Supported entries and the lack of using our suggested judges. It was sug-
gested that we discuss with the Supported what we need to do to encourage
them to use Judges of our preferences.
Blarney: Suze Sullivan reported that the next Blarney deadline is Septem-
ber 25th. Need Nomination list, Membership renewals, Minutes, etc.
Events Co1nmittees:
EISA Indoor (Winter Garden Specialties, Rye NY): Based on Anne Marie's
written report, we are seeking a Chairman for the Indoor. The update for
the OB situation is that there will be one ring on Fri; the decision for Sat's
rings will be made by the Cluster in September.
Somerset (Sat Sept 5th):
EISA Field Trial: Suze Sullivan announced the relocation of the Field Trial
for 2015 to western VA. No wrangler will be available. It is a temporary
solution and alternatives, including Medford are being explored.
Morris & Essex: General discussion about the nature and history of the
event. Reminder that early judging has been requested to allow our mem-
bers to travel to Harvest Cluster.
EISA Outdoor (Harvest Cluster): Fran Sloughfy provided a general over-
view of the event and judges. A plea for a food seller for under the tent
was made by Mariette. Discussion about the fund raiser and
reminder that workers are needed.
10
A request for an educational event speaker was made and Dr.
Lisa was suggested to discuss the topic of food or a puppy
evaluation seminar. Mariette will follow up with Dr. Lisa.
Agility Events: The Agility Trial needs workers. Suze Sullivan will do worker's bags. Donations for bags are needed. Unfinished Business
Constitution: Mariette O'Malley submitted a draft to the General Member-ship in May for member review, as well as, BOD review. Some adjustments were made for spelling or typos and one for clarification. The Committee proposes to present the Final Draft at Somerset's meeting for a final vote.
Discussion among the BOD ensued about the proposed downsize of the BOD. After a number of members made their points, it was suggested that the issue was too important to be decided with a mere quorum of the BOD and perhaps it should go to the membership. An informal polling of the BOD present showed that 4 were in favor of downsizing, two were opposed and two abstained.
Mariette proposed sending two versions, identical except for the downsize of the BOD, for the membership to review and consider. Tentatively, the plan would still be to vote at Somerset, but the timeline could be adjusted if necessary. The BOD agreed that this process was appropriate.
Adjournment A motion was made and approved to adjourn the meeting was at 11:45am.
Motion to Approve: Rick Krasley Second: Fran Sloughfy Vote to Approve (voice vote): Unanimous Vote to Disapprove or Abstain: None
Respectfully Submitted,
Mariette O'Malley Recording SecretaryDate of approval 11/6/15
11
EISA Board Meeting November 6, 2015
Call to order
A meeting of Eastern Irish Setter Association was held at Dream Park in Logan
Township on November 6, 2015. The meeting was called to order at 2:49am. At-
tendees included Fiona Geiser, Lynne Godshall, Lynn Kwiatkowski, Anne Marie
Kubacz, Patricia Lyons, Mariette O'Malley, Debra Hamilton , Susan Sullivan.
We have a quorum.
Approval of minutes
The Minutes of the July 26, 2015 Board of Director's meeting were presented by the
Recording Secretary. A motion was made and passed for the approval of these
Minutes.
Motion to Approve: Lynne K Second: Anne Marie
Vote to Approve: The Minutes were unanimously approved by those eligible to
vote.
Officer Reports (in order of presentation)
President's Report: Presentation of proposed preliminary 2016 calendar. See
attached. Final approval set for January 9, 2016 meeting at Mariette O'Malley's
home.
Corresponding Secretary: The Corresponding Secretary provided an update on
Judges' acceptance and current needs for judge decision. They are as follows:
New Brunswick 2016 - Michael Gatsby (England) ; Need a Sweeps Judge at this
time. Bucks 2016 - Choice between two judges from Buck's list; need a Sweepstakes
Judge. Indoor 2017 - Both Judges confirmed; Judy Bradley - Breed; Patti Grocott -
Sweeps
Outdoor 2016 or 2017 -Anne Marie recommends locking in one Judge for 2016
since the other Judge is not
available for that date.
She encouraged the Board to move forward with a new Judges selection vote.
Treasurer's Report: There was no formal Treasury report presented, the Treasurer
was absent.
Committees: (in order of presentation)
Nominating Committee: Final report of Nominating Committee was presented to
Corresponding Secretary and the nominations were published in the Blarney .
12
Membership Committee: Discussion was held about how to get membership info
out for renewal and the possibility of combining with the Judges' ballots . Lynne K
will reach out to Fran to coordinate.
Judge Selection Committee:
Lynne K will work with Fran and Charlie to get ballot out asap. Mailing should
include Christmas invitation, and membership renewal. Timeline to mail out
should target December 1.
Blarney: Suze Sullivan reported that the next Blarney deadline
Constitution: Mariette O'Malley reported that the corrections and adjustments
have been made to the Constitution. She sent it away with Kathy O'Malley (new
eyes) to proofread and will submit it to AKC sometime next week. It will be sent
with signature requirement to prove that it was sent and we will ask for confirma-
tion of receipt from the AKC once it is assigned - so we can prove they have it.
New Business:
1) Lynne Godshall proposed a Juniors clinic in conjunction with BCKC, 4H &
EISA. Peter Kubacz has agreed to present. The event would be held at Allen's
Kennel on Jan 17, minimal cost to Jrs, about $20. All day clinic. Proposal sug-
gested by new member Alex Van Meter.
Motion to approve: Mariette O'Malley Second: Debra Hamilton Motion
passed unanimously.
2) For consideration - Staten Island KC and the Memorial Day Cluster have been
resurrected. Should we consider supporting these events. The issue will be re-
visited in January for details but a general motion to support the cluster was made.
Motion to support : Anne Marie Kubacz Second: Lynne Godshall
Motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment
A motion was made and approved to adjourn the meeting was at 2: 24pm. Motion
to Appove: Lynn Kwiatkowski Second: Anne Marie Kubacz Vote to Approve
(voice vote): Unanimous
Vote to Disapprove or Abstain: None
Respectfully Submitted,
Mariette O'Malley Recording Secretary
Date of approval 1/2/16
13
EISA Agenda –
General Membership Meeting & Annual Election
2 pm Saturday Dec. 26, 2015 at Delanco, NJ
Call to Order –The meeting was called to order by president Fiona
Geiser at 2:45pm at the home of Karen Schwartz. Fiona read EISA's
objectives: The object of the Association shall be “to promote and improve the
breed of Irish Setters; to instruct its members in all matters pertaining to Irish
Setters; and to promote and support activities relating to the breed of Irish Set-
ters.”
Attendance was circulated and signed
Approval of minutes from last meeting as published in Touch
O’Blarney, Fall 2015 Motion made by Rick Krasley sec-
onded by Debra Krasley
Report of the Officers Fiona thanked Lynne Godshall for all her
work coordinating our Agility trial and Agility match.
Anne Marie Kubacz reported a profit was made and
thanks to our all member's hard work. These monies are
being kept for EISA's hosting of the ISCA National 2017
Report of Committees
Membership reported by Debra Krasley for Fran Sloughfy
1. 2016 Membership renewal -renewal form was mailed
to members - due Jan.31, 2016)
2. Lola Gamble was proposed for membership. Mo-
tion made by Anne Marie Kubacz, seconded by Rick
Krasley to accept Lola as a member. Unanimously
approved.
2016 Winter Garden Specialties – Anne Marie Kubacz reported that
preferred Grooming Application was emailed to all our members
and other Irish setter clubs. There will be 4 Irish setter specialties:
two by ISCLI on Friday 2/12, one by ISCLI on 2/13 and EISA's
14
specialty on 2/14.
There will be an all breed/canine partners Obedience
Rally trials hosted by EISA on 2/12 and 2/13. The obe-
dience/rally ring will be the only ring in the Grand Ball-
room on Friday. On Saturday there will be obedience/
rally in one ring and three breeds showing in the other
ring. Dobermans have joined Winter Garden Specialties
with back to back specialties on Saturday.
Blarney Deadline – Suz Sullivan – Jan. 15 is the deadline, but
Suz would appreciate info ASAP!
2016 Judge Selection - the first rounds of voting ballots were
mailed to all EISA members. Members may mail or scan
their ballots to Fran and Charlie members - due Jan. 31,
2016.
Harvest cluster Debra Hamilton sent an email report of a profit from the Harvest specialties for EISA . This does not
include monies raised by EISA in our raffle.
Unfinished Business--none
New Business – Election of 2016 Slate (shown below) A single vote
was cast by Anne Marie Kubacz, seconded by Rick Krasley
for the slate listed below. Unanimously approved.
New officer info will be sent to AKC and ISCA by Anne Marie Ku-
bacz
2016 EISA Slate
President – Fiona Geiser
Vice President – Susan Sullivan
Treasurer – Lynn Kwiatkowski
Corresponding Secretary – Anne Marie Kubacz
Recording Secretary – Mariette O’Malley
Class of 2018 Board of Directors
Debra Krasley
Peter Kubacz
Fran Sloughfy
15
The below Directors will continue their present terms
Class of 2016
Debra Hamilton
Patricia Lyons
Meghan Sheehan
Class of 2017
Lynne Godshall
Rick Krasley
Lydia Miller
Good and Welfare- Many members shared their wins and good news.
The members asked Debra Krasley to facilitate the sending of
flowers to Fran Sloughfy.
16
Adjournment A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mariette
O'Malley, seconded by Rick Krasley. The meeting ad-
journed at 3:10pm. It was followed by Holiday Feast and
Gift Exchange.
Respectfully submitted
Anne Marie Kubacz for Mariette O'Malley
Attendance:
Karen Schwartz Fiona Geiser Lola Gamble
Richard Krasley Debra Krasley Taube Becker
John Becker Randy Kubacz Anne Marie Kubacz
Mariette O'Malley Lynne Godshall Bob Feizet
Guests:
Tom Gamble Maureen Santori Donna Conway
Jay Conway
NEW JERSEY DOG FEDERATION MEETING
– DECEMBER 2015.
SUBMITTED BY SUSAN KWIATKOWSKI
Prior to the meeting, Jane Killion breeder of Bull Terriers, author of the book
When Pigs Fly! Training Success with Impossible Dogs discussed her video,
“Puppy Culture, The Powerful First 12 Weeks That Can Shape your Puppy’s
Future.” It was most informative and I would suggest that anyone planning on
breeding a litter view the video recording the activities of the first 12 weeks of a
litter of Bull Terrier puppies.
The presentation was followed by a short meeting wherein club members who
monitor the activity of bills relating to canine activities in the State of New Jer-
sey, indicated that a state senator who is planning to run for the Office of the
Governor of NJ. just rubber stamps any dog bill that comes up for a vote when
it is favored by HSUS and PETA. It was felt that there is a possibility that the
future of canine activities in the state of New Jersey will be negatively effected.
17
Agility and Timing
What is timing and how does it apply to Agility? Timing is the
ability to deliver information to your canine partner when they
need it to focus on the next task. The first part of this process is
that they must be listening or watching for it. So, the process starts
with the dog tuning in on you. We simply start with teaching those cues that
mean just that. The Name, when I say my dog’s name they look at me. I take
them out of the crate and I warm them up with Name and cookie (their pay
check).
Next, I teach a directional cue. Go means go away from me, look away from me.
The opposite cue, Come, means come towards me or look towards me. Now if
you want to teach right, left, in and out be my guest. But simply put, it’s extra
chatter and more confusion for the dog. Kiss=keep it simple stupid_____.
Lets get back to timing with these simple cue words. If a dog is on course lined
up for the next obstacle I should not have to say anything. But if what they see is
not next where do I give them the command to call off or redirect. Lets start
with a jump and tunnel combo. If I want the dog to go to a direct tunnel I give
the command as the dog is taking off for the jump so that while he is clearing the
jump he does not have to look for info. If the tunnel is not next then I must give
the cue before he starts the jump so he can land on the proper lead leg. In the
first example, he is taking the jump in full stride, not slowing up. In the second
example, the dog must take the jump in collection so he can turn upon landing.
Agility is a series of these stop and go check-in events. The faster the dog, the
bigger the stride, and the more important the timing becomes. Less is always
better! The less you have to say the better. Remember, if you have to have the
dog check in and go, then you just lost a second and he lands flat-footed, losing a
stride. If you open up your mouth when a dog is in their jump stride the head
comes up, the butt goes down and so does the bar. If your dog is headed to a
tunnel in drive and you say something they look up and now they do not see the
opening to the tunnel, they are looking over it. Once your dog sees the proper
opening to weaves and you say something they look away and miss step it. My
favorite negative cue occurs when handlers cheerlead their partner thru the
weaves. There are 12 poles and each time you repeat a noise or try and cheer you
become a distraction. Suddenly your dog is
thinking, “What, thought I had it right.” Be
fair, 99% of the time we are the ones that
mess up timing the run. Smile be happy go
play with your partner!
Happy New Year
Lynne, Lady and Christie and Paps
18
!TROPHY TIME!
If your dog achieved a new title in 2015, please send your application to
Lydia Miller.
Please choose one plaque for your awards:
____ 12x15 Same plaque as other years
____ 15x18 Fits one large plate and up to 12 small
Plate.
____ Plate only
Remember, if you got a large plaque for your dog last year then you are only al-
lowed to get a plate.
Please include:
AKC Registered Name: (You are responsible to PRINT or type clearly as Lydia
will have the title plaque made exactly as she receives it.
______________________________________________
New Titles earned for 2015: (Include all titles in the format you want them. Please
be sure to put exactly how you want your title to appear on your plaque or plate.
Nothing more.)
______________________________________________
Owners:
*ONLY ONE PLAQUE ALLOWED PER DOG PER LIFETIME**
Mail or email to Lydia Miller 10 Butternut Rd. Hellertown, PA
ABSOLUTE DEADLINE APRIL 1, 2016
19
It was with great pleasure that my 4-H club, Winning Waggers, co-hosted our first annual junior handling seminar with the Bur-lington County Kennel Club and Eastern Irish Setter Associa-tion on January 17th, 2016. With Peter Kubacz for an instruc-tor, the seminar consisted of 11 junior handlers and 10 observ-ers, and lasted from 9:00 am till nearly 4:00 pm.
Before the juniors began to work their dogs, Mr. Kubacz prepared them with some general tips—be confident, move with purpose, don’t look at the dog while moving, be efficient and try not to touch more than 3 legs while stacking. After this,
20
, the participants were split into two groups, inexperienced ages twelve and under and experienced ages twelve to 18. Mr. Ku-bacz worked with the experienced group first, giving each junior a chance to present his or her dog individually, then offering them tips about stacking and breed presentation. After everyone in the experienced group had a turn to present their dogs, the inexperienced group got their chance to do the same. During this time, Mr. Kubacz and several of the experienced juniors worked with the younger kids on basics like how to properly stack their dogs, how to hold their lead, and how to maneuver around their dogs. It was a great experience to be able to help these new handlers and watch them steadily improve.
The second half of the seminar was focused on movement and gaiting patterns. In this segment, each junior was instructed on how to most efficiently perform different gaiting patterns and how to cut down on unnecessary movements. The participants also enjoyed swapping dogs during this portion to try handling different breeds.
At the end of the day, all juniors who participated in the seminar competed in a Junior Showmanship match as a way for them to practice the new skills they learned in competition. AKC juniors judge Jeff Lentsch agreed to judge each individual class while Mr. Kubacz judged best junior handler. Each participant demon-strated great improvements in their performance and made the judge’s picks difficult, especially in the younger classes.
21
By the time the seminar was over, all the juniors were thrilled to have participated in such a unique event and to have learned so much in one day, and I hope that we will be able to provide an even better experience next year.
22
2016 EISA Field Trial
Eastern Irish Setter Association’s 2016 Field Trial will be held on October
15th and 16th on grounds owned by Kathy Shannon, 2016 Slate River Mill
Road Dillwyn,VA 23936 (32 miles South of Charlottesville).
Susan Sullivan is the chairman. Kevin Culver has completed the planning. Sandy
Jones is the field trial secretary.
The grounds are consistently groomed and lovely. There will be no wrangler.
Judges will provide their own horses and Kevin Culver will bring back-up horses
for the judges. The judge’s dinner will be held at Pino’s, an Italian restaurant, in
Dillwyn, VA.
The clubhouse is available for chatting with friends or enjoying the wonderful
breakfasts and lunches created by an EISA club member. We are looking for a
volunteer to serve as our chef.
Susan Sullivan will run the dog wagon and help as lineman and cook. Kevin and
Jeanne Culver will judge, plant birds and help throughout the trial.
The EISA Field Trial is a wonderful experience, a chance to meet other Irish
setter owners and learn more about this performance event. It is truly beautiful to
see our red dogs joyfully run through the fields doing what they were born to do.
We hope that EISA club members will attend.
23
WHY OBEDIENCE?
BY SUSAN KWIATKOWSKI
A recent incident in a basic obedience class focused my thoughts on training
equipment. So, I thought a discussion of the essential equipment generally used
would be helpful as a refresher.
Lead and collar are the obvious starting point. Historically, most lucky dogs had
buckle collars that had a ring for a license and identification tag. Lots of dogs
were free to roam and never had a collar at all. At that time hunting dogs were
trained to whoa on pinch collars which have a band of metal spikes on the inside
of a leather collar. These are still available today.
Leads that attach to the collar are available in a variety of materials ever increas-
ing. Leather, nylon, cotton webbing, and synthetic leather are just a few. There
are also slip leads which are collar and lead in one.
In basic obedience classes dogs and handlers were introduced to the choke chain
collar as the primary training collar. Today, besides choke chain collars, there are
nylon chokes, prong collars, buckle collars and even halti harnesses for the snout
of the dog. Some trainers even advocate body harnesses for training.
A person entering a training class for the first time will be introduced to the
equipment preferred by and advocated by the trainer. There are plusses and mi-
nus to all types of equipment. The issue, of course, is that the equipment should
be used correctly and EFFECTIVELY with the emphasis on effective. The type
selected should also take the dog into consideration as well as the dog’s handler.
With the introduction of purely positive training, choke collars of any material
and prong collars were given a terrible reputation for cruelty. AKC bans prong
collars from show sites. Buckle collars were heralded as being less cruel.
Think about this: When a correction is made with a choke collar, the collar tight-
ens signaling the dog to cease the activity it is exhibiting. Pulling – stop pulling.
Every time a buckle collar is used to make a correction the dog’s neck is pulled
out of position because a buckle collar doesn’t tighten. On a small dog, like a six-
pound Yorkie, not much force is needed but when you use the buckle collar on a
sixty to seventy pound Irish Setter a lot more force is used on the neck. Which
collar type do you think is safer?
The prong collar is sometimes viewed as a torture tool. In fact, a properly used
prong collar uses less pressure and results in a quicker calming response in a very
active dog. Try putting one on your wrist and tighten it Do the same with a
choke chain and you will feel the difference.
24
The Halti device used on the snout of a dog can be
effective for walking a very active dog. It has to be
fitted properly because if it doesn’t fit properly it can
cause problems by sliding up too close to the dog’s
eyes. If it’s too tight on the snout it can interfere with
the nasal passage of the dog. It works by putting pres-
sure on the nasal passages. It is styled on a bitless
bridle used for horses with mouths which are difficult
to fit with a bit or which have dental issues.
When selecting equipment try several types on your dog. See which type seems to
be most effective and if you go to a class be sure that the instructor is knowledge-
able by questioning the type of lead and collar they suggest and ask why they think
it is best. Choose a lead that feels comfortable in your hand and which does not slip
through your hand if the dog pulls. Nylon and cotton webbing can cause a severe
burn on the hand when pulled through unexpectedly. As with any sporting activity,
training is required and the best equipment will produce the best results when prop-
erly used. Happy Training!
THE EASTERN IRISH SETTER ASSOCIATION
2016 Membership Dues Payable: JANUARY 31, 2016
____Family Membership $35
(2 or more at the same address, entitled to 2 votes)
____Individual Membership $25
Please include your current email address -Touch of Blarney will be sent out elec-
tronically to each household. If you want a hard copy, you can print it out. If you do
not have a computer, please advise, and a paper copy will be mailed to you.
Please make your check out to EISA, but mail it to:
Fran Sloughfy
EISA Membership
20 Maple Shade Lane
Fleetwood, PA 19522
Print Name___________________________________________________
Mailing Address_______________________________________________
City_________________________State_____________ZIP____________
Email Address_________________________________________________
Telephone and/or Cell #_________________________________________
Please check here if the above contact info has changed from 2015 __________
25
EISA Does AGILITY
ISCA AGILITY TRIAL Sponsored by EISA
Dream Park, Logan Township, New Jersey
On November 6, 2015 EISA again sponsored an All Breed Agility Trial for our Parent Club the Irish Setter Club of America. The trial was sponsored to help us fund the 2017 ISCA National Specialty in Warwick Rhode Island. A hardy group of club members arrived on Thursday to help unload the truck, distrib-ute equipment to the rings, set-up the crating area, put up the big green plas-tic ring dividers, and organize the hospitality area. Some stayed overnight in the New Jersey area and arrived back at the site by 7am Friday morning. We sipped that first cup of coffee and were off. Smiling club members were eve-rywhere, running dogs, setting bars, and timing runs throughout the day. The trial ran smoothly with over 600 runs in 3 rings which allowed almost three hours for an agility match. Both activities proved to be successful and a nice profit was deposited toward our goal.
We had a nice turnout of EISA members on both days so that no one was overtaxed. There is always a job that can be done by someone with no ex-perience. The more hands available, the easier it is to run a trial. Most of my students came out and helped throughout the day. So, a big shout out to all and save November 10 and 11 for the 2016 Agility set up and Trial.
We are also looking at dates in July of this year to do an A Match so we can hold our own trials. -Lynne Godshall
26
Comhghairdeas Fainne oir ort!
"Lady" Grand,Grand Champion Ch MACH 2 Fyrethorn Steppin' Out CDX
GN BN RAE MXG MJG XF CA
Lady earned her Grand Grand Champion title at Lehigh Valley KC ISCDV Sup-ported Entry. BOS.
BGCH. Kilkenny’s One Singular Sensation CD BN ACGC
Donovan Earned his Bronze Grand Championship at Lower Susquehanna Supported Entry taking BOS on December 6, 2015.
He is only the second Irish Setter in the history of our breed to have a CD and earn his Bronze Grand Championship according to AKC records.
27
Can Ch. Ramblin' Red Slamdunk Irish Rover finished his Canadian champi-onship in 2015.
Owned by Katherine M Toohey, Peter Kubacz & Anne Marie & Randy Kubacz.
"Rover" won the breed from the classes over many top specials from the US and Canada to finish his championship at the SD& G shows the weekend of the
Canadian National.
Ramblin' Red Slamdunk Brigadier General aka "Chester"
Best puppy and Puppy group 4th at South Windsor KC
Owned by Nancy Salmon, Peter Kubacz & Anne Marie & Randy Kubacz
Ramblin' Red Slamdunk League of Nations aka "Woodrow"
Best Opposite in Sweeps and Best of Winners for a 3 point major at Eastern Dog Club
Owned by Nancy Salmon, Peter Kubacz & Anne Marie & Randy Kubacz
Ramblin' Red Slamdunk Return to Independence aka "Bess"
Best in Sweepstakes at Eastern Dog Club
Owned by Katherine M Toohey, Peter Kubacz & Anne Marie & Randy Kubacz
28
From the Editor
The Blarney continues as an electronic newsletter. Although the Touch
O’ Blarney is now electronic, please remember that you can always print
out a hard copy. i
Please continue to send in your Winter and Spring wins, news, pictures
and setter tails for publication in the Blarney. The deadline for submis-
sion to the 2016 Spring Blarney is March 23rd. We will include the Win-
ter Garden Specialties ( breed, rally and obedience) and New Bruns-
wick.
Anyone who would like to work on the Blarney should contact Suz at
443-286-7713.