Wildwood Dog
Training Newsletter

November 2004

A great time was had by all at the Halloween party: great socialization for humans and canines. The judges had much difficulty picking the best costume. The final winners are: Judi’s LUCKY as a Bumblebee, Andy’s MILO as a cavalier in purple, Tom & Michelle’s BARON as a clown, and Gary & Linda’s TINA as a Bandito. The Saints & Sinners contest always provides laughs. The initial step is to heel your dog down a gauntlet of hotdog chunks: Saints ignore temptation; Sinner indulge. As you might guess many of our dogs are "sinners." For the second trial, a hotdog was placed in the dogs mouth to be held on a "stay" and delivered to the owner after a "come". Luckily there were a lot of hotdogs, because very few were reusable! The playoff involved Little Marley & Big Marley who were put on a stay and called to come over the hotdog strewn mat. Both dogs ran the gauntlet without eating, but Little Marley lost by a nose (that is, a sniff) to Susan’s Big MARLEY. Mucho, mucho munchies were gobbled by sinner number one BARON (Tom & Michelle) who could not even stay while his owner walked down the mat before chowing down! Tina & Milo ate just as many, but at least they waited until called to start to eat. This contest is enjoyable for pets & owners alike, and "must be seen to be believed!"

Don’t forget the Canine Good Citizen & Therapy Dog testing for November 16th. Even if your dog doesn’t pass both, it is a good experience for both handler & dog. Who knows? Your dog may impress you with his/her skills.

Also remember the Board meeting for November 23^rd at 9PM

Remember to be careful of holiday hazards with your dogs at Thanksgiving. Turkey bones and other holiday treats can be of danger to pets. In addition, holiday visitors may not be as careful with yard gates and doors as you are. Watch your pets and have a Wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Christmas Party Reminder-- mark your calendar for December 14^th at 9PM.

On October 16^th at Paw Powers Blues Dog Training Club in Cedar Lake, IN, Cali scored a 193 & a 190.5 and took 2 second places! Great job Cali and Ruth!!

Please let us know any NEWS of your dog.