Volume 12 / Issue 3 / July 2019

fun facts with the canine companion instructorsdisc dogs | why do agility?

flyball | canine companion passes

Volume 12 / Issue 3 / July 2019 BelCoNNeN DoG oBeDIeNCe CluB / 2

Welcome to the July edition of the BDoC Newsletter! I hope the first half of 2019 has been pleasant for your human and furry family members.

Many members of the dog sport community at BDOC are busily preparing for this weekend’s Advance Dog Sports Extravaganza (Sat July 6th and Sun July 7th), which is being hosted by Dogs ACT at Exhibition Park.

This is a huge doggy event which includes conformation showing, agility, disc dogs, trialling obedience, rally obedience, and flyball. Just like the club activities, the Extravaganza is being run by teams of volunteers who have donated their time and energy to ensure that the events are all successful.

On the topic of volunteers, the Canine Companion organisers are getting ready to put on our winter instructor training course. It’ll be held over two weekends on Saturday 20th July and Saturday 27th July. If you’re interested in participating, it’s not too late to register your interest, just send us an email at bdoc@bdoc.asn.au!

Happy training, and good luck to everyone competing over the weekend!

- Maelyn

SCRATCH OUR BACK!

BDOC is run exclusively by volunteers. We’re always on the lookout for more helpers!

Interested in volunteering? Skills we are looking for include administration, cleaning, grounds maintenance, information technology, weeding, events assistants, shed tidying, catering for events, class assistants, instructors and lots more. Volunteer as little or as much as you like and are able to. Every bit helps and you get the chance to make more ‘doggie’ friends. See the BDOC office if you would like to join our volunteer group.

IN THIS ISSUE EDITOR’S NOTEAbout the Club..................................................................................................3President’s Report ..........................................................................................4Fun Facts with CC Instructors ................................................................5Disc Dogs @ BDOC ....................................................................................... 6Why Do Agility? ............................................................................................... 8Flyball Update ................................................................................................10Canine Companion Passes ....................................................................11BDoC shop ........................................................................................................12BDOC Training Dates 2019 .................................................................... 13

A big thank you to our Session 2 instructors:

Adrian Sweatman, Anne Lewis, Barbara Brown, Caroline Pappas, Catherine Griffin, Charmayne Murray, Cheryl Neal, Christine Bates, David Walsh, Dorothy Xu, Geoff Tracey, Geoff Woodman, Heather Swinbourn, Jacqui Vandenbroek, Jane Tong, Janet Almond, Kimberly Shrives, Leesa Jess, Lyn Clyde, Lyndal Hasselman, Maelyn Draper, Margo Hellyer, Meryl Causebrook, Monique Meacham, Niccola Hardaker, Nicole Gallina, Ross Miller, Steve Meyer, Susan Killion, Toni Hicks, and Vanessa Laddrak.

Cover photo: Stephen and Waugyl, by Maelyn Draper

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Wednesday 21st August 2019 at 7:30pm

All financial members are invited to attend

the 2019 AGM for the Belconnen Dog

Obedience Club.

Items for the agenda must be received by

the Committee by Wednesday 7th August.

Committee nomination forms must be

received by Wednesday 14th August.

Volume 12 / Issue 3 / July 2019 BelCoNNeN DoG oBeDIeNCe CluB / 3

The Belconnen Dog Obedience Club (BDOC) was formed in 1975 to provide dog training instruction and facilities for people living in northern Canberra.

The Club’s main activity is our canine companion

classes, which teach basic obedience and valuable life skills to pet dogs and their families. Our canine companion classes are open to fully vaccinated dogs of all breeds.

We also offer training in dog sports including agility, dances with dogs, flyball, trialling obedience, and rally obedience, and have many teams ranging from beginners to the top trial and competition levels.

The aims of our Club include:• Having fun with our dogs• Promoting responsible dog ownership• Helping our members to become proficient dog

trainers in general obedience, and also in the dog sports of their choice

• Helping our members to develop enjoyable relationships with their dogs

• Promoting the pursuit of recognised dog sports

BDOC is supported with much appreciated financial assistance from ACT Sport and Recreation Services and the Department of Education and Training ACT.

Our Club is staffed and run by a terrific group of volunteers, from the Club’s Committee, office and shop workers, to our incredibly dedicated team of instructors.

If you have enjoyed your time at BDOC, please consider volunteering! We are always on the look out for helpers for our various trials and events, and we run training for new canine companion instructors twice a year in January and June. If you’re interested, please email the Club at bdoc@bdoc.asn.au.

ABOUT THE CLUB CONTACT USPhone (02) 5105 0992

Email bdoc@bdoc.asn.au

Website www.bdoc.asn.au

Newsletter news@bdoc.asn.au

Address Corner of Flemington Road and Morisset Road, Mitchell ACT

Office Hours Thursdays - 7:00pm to 8:30pm Sundays - 9:00am to 10:30am

COMMITTEEPresident Christine Bates

Vice-PresidentMargo Hellyer

TreasurerMonique Meacham

SecretaryKate McGee

General MembersAnya WithellGeoff TraceyKatherine Waterhouse

Agility RepLisa Borthwickagility@bdoc.asn.au

Canine Companion RepLyndal Hasselman

Dances with Dogs RepHeather Swinbourndwd@bdoc.asn.au

Disc Dogs RepCatherine Griffindisc@bdoc.asn.au

Flyball RepSally Provinsflyball@bdoc.asn.au

Obedience and Rally RepMaelyn Draperobedience@bdoc.asn.au

Got something that you’d like us to publish? Email it through to us

at news@bdoc.asn.au! The BDOC newsletter is published around the

beginning of each session.

Volume 12 / Issue 3 / July 2019 BelCoNNeN DoG oBeDIeNCe CluB / 4

PRESIDENT’S REPORTThank you to everyone who is braving the cold and continuing with their training with their furry friends. A special thank you to our volunteer instructors who are also braving the cold to teach canine companion and our dog sports classes.

Membership renewals are due at the end of June, please see the office for your renewal form or you can obtain this information from our website at http://bdoc.asn.au/membership-renewals.html.

What next?! Have you thought about doing a dog sport? We offer training in Rally-O, Obedience, Dances with Dogs, Agility, Flyball, and Disc Dogs. Please see your instructor or one of the volunteers in the office for more information. All upcoming events for all dog sports are on our calendar (http://bdoc.asn.au/calendar.html) if you would like to see one of the sports live, or you can also follow us on Facebook to find out when competitions are on..

Are you free on 6th & 7th July? Come along to spectate at the Advance Dog Spectacular at EPIC. You’ll have the opportunity to see Conformation (Dog Showing), Agility,

Disc Dog, Trialling Obedience, Rally Obedience and Flyball. Many BDOC members will be showing off what their dogs can do, so please come along and lend them your support.

If you would like to become a volunteer at the BDOC club, please have a chat to one of the volunteers in the office or email us at bdoc@bdoc.asn.au.

Stay warm!

- Chris

HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR

BDOC MEMBERSHIP?

All BDOC memberships are due for renewal by Sunday 21st July 2019

Visit the office or website for more information

Volume 12 / Issue 3 / July 2019 BelCoNNeN DoG oBeDIeNCe CluB / 5

FUN FACTS WITH CC INSTRUCTORSWe asked the canine companion instructors a set of get-to-know-you questions, and these are some fun and random facts that we uncovered!

Describe your furry family

What to do you train your dogs in?

What are your hobbiesoutside of dog training?

What’s arandom factabout you?

Best advice for anew dog handler?

enjoying life

couldn’t live without him

endurance

dances with dogs

herding

couch napping

Camping

Soccer

10 pin bowling House renos

Tai Chi

French

I love standup comedy

I was born in Canberra

I’ve lived in Japan, Russia and Hawaii

Don’t rush the process

Advocate for your dog

energetic and cuddly

full of personality

rally obedience

agility nosework

canine companion

Quilting

Travelling

Gardening

Family time

Tattoos

Mangoes aremy fave food

I’ve lived in 3 continents

Embrace who your dog is

Make sure you both have fun!

Play with your dog and

have fun!

Reward the dog’s attitude first

extremely unique

smart and cheeky

happy, waggy tailed

retrieving

trackingIGP

lure coursing

Family historyReading

Crafts

Photography

I have a tattoo of aunicorn on my butt

I lived in the UK for 9 years

I used to perform

as a belly dancer

Train the dog in front of you

Clarity and

consistent

communication

Notice and rewardcalm behaviour

very intelligent

lovable

lots of fun

hairy hooligans

trialling obedience

behaving at home and on walks!Up Dogs

flyball

tricks

Cooking

Cryptic crosswords

who has time for hobbies when

there are dogs to train?

4WDing

Running

I’ve slept in a circus

I have 6 grandmothers

I have a half-completed tattoo ofa menagerie of endangered animals

Teach focus

and play

Learn and improve from

every training session

Be patient, and help your dog learn how to learn

Volume 12 / Issue 3 / July 2019 BELCONNEN DOG OBEDIENCE CLUB / 6

DISC DOGS @ BDOCArticle written by Catherine Griffin

AUTUMN ANTICS (ACT) - 27 APRIL 2019After a cold start to the morning, Canberra produced a wonderful sunny day for the Autumn Antics. The competition consisted of competitors from ACT and NSW with a number of teams debuting. It was also the very first time that the game ‘Greedy’ officially had been played internationally! The was a great milestone for BDOC.

Congratulations to Dana and Steve for judging for the first time at a competition. Also a huge thank you to everyone who assisted with the planning, setup and running of the day. Without you assistance we would be unable to host competitions at the club. Well done everyone on the following results:

Freestyle Frizgility Time Warp Throw N GoSteve with Waugyl Vanessa with Pippa Chris with Jack Angela with FlyLoris with Akio Peter with Milo Justin with Garth Dana with WatsonJustin with Quinn Angela with Fly Kim with Pia Kylie with Luna

7Up GreedyKim with Pia Chris with JackChris with Jack Peter with Milo Angela with Fly Leanne with Izzy

Millie debuting in her first competition John and Brock also debuting in their first competition

Angela with Fly travelled from Sydney to play UpDog Yes, puppies can play UpDog too! Erin in her first competition showing the older dogs how to catch a roller

Volume 12 / Issue 3 / July 2019 BELCONNEN DOG OBEDIENCE CLUB / 7

PINEAPPLE CUP (QLD) - 28 APRIL 2019BDOC members travelled to Queensland to compete in the Pineapple Cup. Members also competed in Flyball the day before, therefore were eligible to compete for the overall Pineapple Cup. Congratulations to Kate with Jazz winning the overall trophy for consistency and excellent results over the two sports.

Well done BDOC members on the following results:

Frizgility- Round 1 4 Way Play1st Rosie with Dan 1st Konrad with Jazz

Frizgility- Round 2 FunKey2nd Kate with Jazz 2nd Kate with Jazz

WINTER WARM UPDOG CHALLENGE (ACT)After the success of the Summer Series, BDOC is hosting the Winter Warm UpDog Challenge. This is a series of UpDog competitions covering all nine games. Teams earn points according to placing in each game. Teams must play all nine games to the eligible for the Winter Warm UpDog Challenge overall champion. So far, Winter Warm UpDog Challenge 1 & 2 been completed. Congratulations to everyone who has placed over the first two events:

Frizgility 4 Way Play Throw N GoPeter with Milo Peter with Milo Kim with Pia Amelia with Garth Amelia with Garth Peter with Milo Justin with Garth Kim with Pia Justin with Quinn

Spaced Out Far Out Peter with Milo Justin with Quinn Kim with Pia Peter with Milo Konrad with Jazz Konrad with Jazz

UPCOMING EVENTS6 and 7 July ADVANCE EPIC Dog Sports Extravaganza Dogs ACT19 July Winter Warm UpDog Challenge 3 BDOC16 August Winter Warm UpDog Challenge 4 BDOC28 September ACT Spring Sensation BDOC12 October Everywhere International UpDog Challenge BDOC

When is Disc Dog Training?Training is at BDOC on Friday evenings at 6pm

Who can participate in Disc Dogs?• All dogs over 12 months of age can participate in

Disc Dogs at BDOC• Dogs can catch discs rolled along the ground

‘roller’ or in the air• ●Dogs are required to complete a minimum of

beginners level (or equivalent) obedience training• ●Handlers must be a financial member of BDOC

How can I find out more information?You can get in contact with us via email or through Facebook!

Emaildisc@bdoc.asn.au

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/BelconnenDiscDogs/

Kate and the Pineapple Cup

Volume 12 / Issue 3 / July 2019 BelCoNNeN DoG oBeDIeNCe CluB / 8

WHY DO AGILITY?Article written by Fiona Fraser

Are you interested in:• Having fun with your dog?• Building a stronger bond with your dog?• Taking on new challenges both physical and mental

for you and your dog?• Developing your training skills?• Making new friends?

If so, agility is definitely for you!

I started agility with my young Brittany, Mirri, some 5 years ago. We had done several canine companion classes and I was feeling quite frustrated with my dog despite the best efforts of my teachers.

Brittanies are high energy dogs, very smart and very agile. She just seemed to get bored quite quickly. Typically, our companion class would start well but before long she’d be at the end of the lead looking for something more interesting to do.

Several people had suggested agility to me, so I signed us up as soon as she was old enough (10 months of age). We were on the waiting list for a little while as dogs cannot start formally training in agility at BDOC until they are 14 months old to ensure they are physically mature enough to cope with jumping. But finally, I got an invitation to join a foundation training class.

The foundation agility classes are designed to develop handling skills – like a lot of dog training it’s about teaching the handler rather than the dog. It seemed to take ages to get going and I wondered if we’d ever to do the fun stuff.

But before too long, as we started putting jumps, dog walks, tyres and spreads together, my dog and I were both totally addicted. No problem now getting my dog’s attention—when she saw the agility equipment she became totally focused and awaited my direction!

Only problem now was that being new to agility, I realised my directions were not always easy for my dog to interpret. As I became more involved, I began to wonder at how amazing our dogs are at reading our body language. Just turning my shoulders the wrong way (slightly) would have my dog going in totally the wrong direction. And oh – they think way way ahead

of us – my cues were always much much too late. By now I was totally addicted. Our agility classes were the highlight of the week... for me and my dog.

I learnt a lot by stewarding at trials, speaking to good handlers, videoing some training sessions and going to the odd workshop. And gradually I got much better at giving my dog the correct information. I also became better at walking courses and developing a handling strategy for my dog. Yep – we both have to think a lot when doing agility.

Agility trials are held very regularly at the various dog clubs in Canberra and although very nervous when I started competing, I found the agility community very supportive. It’s the sort of community where everyone has to pitch in and help—that’s the only way trials happen. I soon found that I had developed a whole new group of friends and often found myself travelling to out of town trials, sharing my successes and failures over apre-agility drinks.

And through it all I have developed the most amazing relationship with my dog. She has done me proud, with Masters titles in Agility and Jumping. She has represented the ACT at national championships and won the BDOC Agility Dog of the Year in 2016.

Sadly we’ve had to discontinue agility for the moment because of some injury issues, but I have a young pup coming on and hope to start formally training her in agility very soon. We’ve already done a lot of foundation work at home—stuff that doesn’t involve stressing her body as she grows up. I’m now really aware of how important it is to get a solid foundation in so that your dog is really clear about what you want when you start to string obstacles together.

Of course this has been a 5 year journey for us. Agility training does require a strong commitment and regular training at home in addition to club lessons. However, it has certainly been worth it and I heartily recommend it to anyone who is considering doing a dog sport.

If you want to find out more about agility at BDOC you can check out the agility page on the BDOC website. There is a link there for contact information.

Volume 12 / Issue 3 / July 2019 BelCoNNeN DoG oBeDIeNCe CluB / 9

If you want to see agility in action you would be very welcome to come and watch at the upcoming Epic Dog Extravagance on 6-7 July. Agility will be in the main arena at the showground.

BDOC will also be hosting a trial on 14 September 2019. We are always looking for people to steward at these trials and you’ll find that you’ll learn a lot (and get well fed).

So please check out the BDOC Agility page and get in touch with us if you are interested to find out more about the super fun sport of agility. Fiona and Mirri

Volume 12 / Issue 3 / July 2019 BelCoNNeN DoG oBeDIeNCe CluB / 10

FLYBALL UPDATEArticle written by Sally Provins

THE PINEAPPLE CUPIn April, a small group of the Belconnen Bullets travelled up to Brisbane to compete in the Pineapple Cup which was a mix of Flyball and Disc, over 2 days.

Our very own Kate Moskal took out the Pineapple Cup with her pup Jazz who collected the most points from Flyball and Disc over the weekend. Congratulations!!!

Belconnen Dodgeda BulletsJazz, Juniper, Jack, Wizz, Dan and Tazzi came first in division 2 with the best time of 19.662

HAWKESBURY SHOW

Belconnen Speeding BulletsDan, Dexter, Indy, Tazzi and Ollie came forth in division 4 with a best time of 23.825

Belconnen Rusty BulletsReggie, Miki, Adora, Wizz, Ruby and Penelope came second in division 6 with a best time of 27.354

MAYHEM During the MAYhen race meet we saw one of our newest dogs Kendall make her debut, she earnt 4 points towards her first title. Well done Kendall and her handler Andrew.

Belconnen Bullet TrainGarth, Jack, Dan, Juniper and Kendall came second in division 1 with a best time of 17.912

Belconnen Licorice BulletsJack, Jazz, Cleo, Indy and Penelope came second in division 3 with a best time of 24.155

Belconnen Bullet ProofTazzi, Wizz, Bailey, Adora and Bo came third in division 4 with the best time of 28.926

Belconnen Random BulletsMiki, Pia, Layla, Ollie and Ruby came third in the open division with the best time of 31.478

ACT STATE TITLES – WINTER CLASSICOver the Queens Birthday long weekend the Bullets held a 2 day competition at the Tuggeranong indoor archery centre, we hosted 12 teams over the 2 days and it was fantastic racing all weekend.

Belconnen Bullet TrainDan, Garth, Jack, Dexter and Cleo came first in division 1 with the best time of 17.535

Belconnen Licorice BulletsJack, Reggie, Bailey, Indy, Penelope and Wizz came first in division 2 with the best time of 21.098

Belconnen Bullet ProofPia, Adora, Bella Tazzi and Kendall came forth in division 3 with the best time of 25.421

WONDER WOOFS FLYBALL

Belconnen Dodgeda BulletsDan, Jack, Juni and Dexter came third in division 1 with the best time of 18.557

Belconnen Licorice BulletsReggie, Wizz, Indy, Jazz and Kendall came first in division 2 with the best time of 22.495

Belconnen Rusty BulletsOllie, Odie, Rudy, Adora and Miki came third in division 5 with the best time of 26.981

WHAT’S NEXT?The Belconnen Bullets are hosting 2 race meets this weekend at eh EPIC Advance Extravaganza in conjunction with DogsACT. There will be 32 teams competing over the weekend, with members traveling from the Sydney, the Hunter Valley region, Brisbane and Victoria. We are also preparing to head North for the Australian Nationals in Brisbane!

Volume 12 / Issue 3 / July 2019 BelCoNNeN DoG oBeDIeNCe CluB / 11

BEGINNERSAimee Slocombe with BeverleyAkshata Toraskar with DizzeeAlice Blichfeldt with HumphreyAmy Armitage with LouieAndy Botto with NevisAnna Alikhan with NeoAnthony Whittington with Buddy ClevelandAnushya Kumar with DishaAustin Evens with FlokiBrett Lowe with GeorgeCarleen Voegeli with RufusChantel Williams with NalaDaniel Spice with NyxDaniel Sloper with OttoDarcy Molyneux with Ellie

David Clyde with LouisDavid Snowden with JunoDrew Cady with HarleyEmma Nugent with CharlieJames Baker with HunterJason Lawrence with BanjoJennipher Dunstan with TacoJennipher Dunstan with DiggerKate Grarock with LupoKathryn Vukovljak with GriffinKerryn Rudder with SimcaLanora Feeney with AvaLaura Walker with PollyLouise Ellery with TiggerMaria Aranguitz with FrankieMark Wallace with Bronte

Mel Timpson with HenryNarelle Lovett with PipNatalie Souness with IndieNatasha Beckmann with GalenNatasha Simpson with GobiPetar Spiranac with SjenaPeter Bloxwich with WaffleRobert Todkill with LondonSimon White with TessieSteven Green with FreyaSu Wild-River with ZorkerVicki Ferrett with Shelby

BRONZEAnya Withell with SukiCheryl Pryce with LucyClair Angel with BearCraig Whitehead with AlbaErin Dean with FedsHannah Brugman with BentoJames & Ali Haddy with Calvin

Jamie O’Neill with MaisieJan Arthur with TillyJohn & Julia Ovington with FreddieJohn Didimiotis with MaggieKelly Astle with SebastianKristen Howard with HugoLuke & Simone O’Neill with Oka

Nathalie Espinoza with MannyPatrick Quinn Quirke with AthenaRachel James with Cooper

SILVERAlex Hitchbard with FloydDavid & Jack Richards with MissyJan Downie with GryffKaren Byng with Pippa

Louise Ellery with OogiLouise Rodgerson with SabiOlivier Barker with MaisieRo Amadasighage with Neela

Sarena Cross with JesterStacey Hicks with SamsonSusan Buller with Lucifer

GOLDBryony Wills with FrejaFiona Fraser with PearlHeather Dye with SashaJane Halsey with HattieKarl Newport with MontyNatalie Tasker with ArchieSimone Mak with NyxWilliam Brady with Molly

CANINE COMPANION PASSESCongratulations to the following teams who obtained passes in Canine Companion Classes in Session 2!

MISSING YOUR CERTIFICATE?

Unclaimed canine companion certificates are kept in the Club office for a limited time. Come in and

have a look for yours!

Volume 12 / Issue 3 / July 2019 BelCoNNeN DoG oBeDIeNCe CluB / 12

BDOC SHOP

The BDOC shop has had a makeover, so come and check out the stock!

The prices are highly competitive, the service is friendly, and the location is very convenient. Support the BDOC shop and save yourself some money today!

COLLARSKumalong Martingale Collar $10BlackDog Wear Martingale/Training collar $18BlackDog Wear Standard collar $15BlackDog Wear Super strong collar $20Black Dog Wear Sighthound collars $18-25Halti Optifit Head collar $30

CONTROL COLLARS & HARNESSESBlackDog Wear Y-Front Flyball Harness $35BlackDog Wear Balance Harness $30BlackDog Wear Snub or Extension Lead $8BlackDog Wear Training Halter $25BlackDog Wear Infin8 Halter $25Gentle Leader Headcollar $18Kramer Halti Headcollar $18Kumalong Head Halter $18Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness $202 Hounds Freedom No Pull Harness $35

LEADS2 Hounds Design Training Leads $15Outward Hound Hands-Free Leash $30Handmade Paracord Leads by Niccola VariesBlackDog Wear Smart Lead $18BlackDog Wear Standard Lead $16Kumalong Double-ended Lead $25-28BlackDog Wear Recall lead 5m & 8m $25-30

CLICKERSBlackDog Wear Standard Box Clicker $5BlackDog Wear iClicker $7Petsafe Finger Clicker $8Petsafe Clik-R-Clip $17BlackDog Wear Starmark Clicker $8Wrist coil for Clicker $2.50

OTHERBlackDog Wear Treat Bags $30Show Pockets $3-8Handmade Tug Toy - small & large $5-10Dog -themed tote bags $10-15Treasure Mats - small & large $30-45Handmade Polar Fleece Blankets $10Fingerless Gloves $2St John’s Pet First Aid Kit $25Poisonous to Pets book $35

TREATSLoyalty Pet Treats:Beef morsels $5Lamb morsels $5Tasty Trainers $7Roo strips $7

Prices are indicative and subject to change

Volume 12 / Issue 3 / July 2019 BelCoNNeN DoG oBeDIeNCe CluB / 13

Session 3 Session 4

Thursday Sunday Thursday Sunday

Week 1 27 June 30 June 22 August 25 August

Week 2 4 July 7 July 29 August 1 September

Week 3 11 July 14 July 5 September 8 September

Week 4 18 July 21 July 12 September 15 September

Week 5 25 July 28 July 19 September 22 September

Week 6 1 August 4 August 26 September 29 September

Week 7 8 August 11 August 10 October 13 October

Week 8 15 August 18 August 17 October 20 October

No Training 3 October 6 October

Public Holidays Monday 7 October - Labour Day

BDOC TRAINING DATES 2019

2019 SESSION START DATES

Session 1Thursday 31st January and Sunday 3rd February

Session 2Thursday 4th April and Sunday 7th April

Session 3Thursday 27th June and Sunday 30th June

Session 4Thursday 22nd August and Sunday 25th August

Session 5Thursday 24th October and Sunday 27th October