While typing on the computer, Tommy has a favorite seat (mine)

http://www.mannerlymutts.com
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com

Leon and I practicing at a match in Saco Maine last weekend

Leon has cruciate issues, so I don't go for a fast sit at all. Also during the recall, there is a hotdog on the floor, which is why the judge puts her foot on it. Generally in a match or trial there will be no food in the ring, but it was good practice for Leon.

http://www.mannerlymutts.com
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com

Winter to Spring 2012 Local Events Updated

Leon, CGC (soon to add CD) and I practicing for Winter and Spring 2012 Local Events. What are you and your canine companion doing?

Please see below listing and feel free to visit our local page for events in your New England area!



Seminars in the New England Area:

April 28-29th 2012 Bridget Carlsen Seminar at the K9 Connection  60 Minnesota Ave. Warwick, RI 02888 401-737-2870 K9.connection@verizon.net

Upcoming New England Area (ME, NH, MA) Obedience Trials:

(AKC) March 2, 2012 (closes 2/15/2012) Collie Club of Maine hosting obedience trials @ Clarion Hotel 1230 Congress Street Portland, ME

(UKC) March 9, 2012 Weston Dog Training Club Master Peace Dog Training, 264 Fisher Street Franklin MA 02038 (508) 553-9300; Route I-495 to exit 17 (Rt. 140S). Follow 140S for 1 mile. Turn right onto Fisher Street. Drive to end, passing over the railroad tracks. Master Peace Dog Training is the second building on the left.



(AKC) March 16, 2012 (closes 2/29/2012) Collie Club of New Hampshire hosting obedience trials @ American K9 Country 336 Route 101 Amherst, NH

(AKC) April 14 to 15, 2012 (closes 3/28/2012) Casco Bay Dog Training Club hosting obedience trials @ Mt Ararat High School Gymnasium Topsham, ME

(AKC) August 31 to September 2 2012 Merrimack Valley Kennel Club American K9 Country 336 Route 101 Amherst, NH 03031


(UKC) September 30 & October 1, 2012 For information, please contact Club President, Jen Strubinger: jstrub_shs@hotmail.com at Finish Forward 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296


Upcoming Show N Gos (or run thrus):


January 29, 2012 Finish Foward will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296 hosted by the Pine Tree Doberman Club.


February 19, 2012 Saccarappa Obedience club will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at Westbrook Armory, Stroudwater St., Westbrook 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM Entries and trials will be from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM 

February 25, 2012  Finish Foward will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296



March 10, 2012  Finish Foward will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296

March 11, 2012 Saccarappa Obedience club will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at Westbrook Armory, Stroudwater St., Westbrook 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM Entries and trials will be from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM 

March 24, 2012  Finish Foward will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296
 

April 7, 2012 Finish Foward will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296  

April 8, 2012 Saccarappa Obedience club will be holding an (AKC) Obedience Show N Go at Westbrook Armory, Stroudwater St., Westbrook 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM Entries and trials will be from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM 

May 6, 2012  Finish Foward will be holding an (UKC) Obedience Show N Go at 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296  


August 12, 2012  Finish Foward will be holding an (UKC) Obedience Show N Go at 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296 


September 30, 2012 Finish Forward will be holding (UKC) Obedience Run Thrus after the trials for that day at 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Therapy Dog (TDI) tests:

February 26, 2012 Canine Good Citizen Falmouth, ME 04105 @
PoeticGold Farm 7 Trillium Lane Falmouth, Maine 04105 Hosted by: Ivy League Dog Training & Photography INC and CanineKinship LLC. www.poeticgoldfarm.com

Scent Work Run Thrus:

None known at this time.


Doberman Events:

None known about at this time. 

Other Events to Bring Your Canine Companion To:

April 21 to 22, 2012 Southern Maine Pet Expo Sanford Armory 88 William Oscar Emery Drive, Sanford, Maine $5 adults, $3 children, $16 family pass (up to 5 people). Ticket prices at the door: $8 adults, $5 children, $22 family pass (up to 5 people).  Well trained and mannered dogs welcomed:)



September 9, 2012 Animal Welfare Society's Strut Your Mutt Kennebunk Maine on Mother's Day Beach

November 3, 2012 Finish Foward's Annual Trade Show 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072 ph: 207.251.2296



Mannerly Mutts Group Classes:

None scheduled at this time, and probably won't resume again until Spring 2012.

DVDs and Educational Materials:

International Association of Canine Professionals Past Conference DVDs

Janice Gunn DVDs for Obedience Competition Training

Mike Ellis DVDs

Margot Woods DVDs


http://www.mannerlymutts.com/
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/
mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com

Team Leon CGC (training for CD) practices for winter matches to prepare for March trials!

Team Leon CGC (practicing to add CD) practicing for Winter matches to prepare for March trials:) Unfortunately, due to Leon's knees, we won't be able to go onto Open or Utility together. Leon likes to be kept busy and to be in public. He is a huge ham, and so he enjoys these things. I enjoy being with him and doing these things.

I have plenty of body movement work to do on myself, and the timing of executing vs saying the command (ugh, I need to stop this motion memory that is bad) among other things. Leon just needs a little work to do. It has been five or so years since he has been in the ring environment, and he is now 7 years old. We pulled him 5 years ago due to the TPLO surgery that was needed. During that time, Jackie CD was the one that ended up being trained and going into the ring with me instead.

Now Leon CGC is back in rotation to do the stuff he loves with me (we will probably pursue tracking titles after this), and Boris CGC is training for the United Kennel Club's Companion Dog title this year!

Exciting stuff. In 2010, I competed with clients' dogs, which was fun, but I was missing being in the ring with my dogs. 2012 will find me in the ring again with my resident canines:)

http://www.mannerlymutts.com
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com

Shaman, Brujo, Gus, Harley (Leon, Boris, Tommy et al)

http://www.mannerlymutts.com
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com

Shaman, Brujo, and Harley (Boris, Leon, Tommy, et al)

http://www.mannerlymutts.com
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com

Leon and Spartacus Playing Tuggie Ball

http://www.mannerlymutts.com/
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/

Leon helps Spencer out of the woods

Leon doing one of his little jobs when we are out and about with dogs not trained to be off leash.   Leon leads Spencer out of the woods as I keep an eye on everyone else.   Good boy!

http://www.mannerlymutts.com/
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/

2012 Resolution This Year

Number one resolution is to crawl out of my shell this year.   People may not know this about me, but I am very shy.   No, really, it's true.   I have a hard time striking up conversation out of the blue nevermind promoting myself.   Networking, I am totally horrible at it:)   Yeah, sure I am good at it with people that I have known personally for years, but other than that...I am pretty pitiful.

So this year, I am working on socializing myself.   Leon, my canine buddy and partner, can probably assist with this.   Leon is a social butterfly.

Despite my lack of social skills with non clients or people that I do not know, my business has been good.   Better than good , actually, but I would like to take it to a new level.   I want to foster and nuture those canine/human teams that really want a solid bond and relationship.  I would like to promote involvement in dog sports.   I want to influence good responsible decisions when selecting a canine companion.  

I want to make promote the best life and living conditions for canines.   Which means, I have to put myself out there.   That is my goal for 2012.

http://www.mannerlymutts.com/
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/

Big Dogs and Little Dogs

Rocket and Me:)

Unique problems exist for owners of unusually small or unusually large breeds.  Often when looking to purchase a dog or puppy, these problems may be overlooked or found out later, unexpectedly.

There are also benefits to having an unusually small or unusually large breed.  Often times, people looking to purchase dogs consider these first.

Tiny/Small Dog Pros (in no particular order):

1. Usually live longer than large breed dogs. (Con for large dogs, they generally do not live as long)
2. Eat less; therefore cost less to feed with comparable quality. (Con for large and giant breed dogs, as they eat substantially more)
3. Easy to pick up and move at a moments notice. (Con for large dogs, especially if they get injured, not easy to move on your own)
4. Not apt to injure the owner by pulling or lunging on the leash. (Con for large untrained dogs as they could easily injure a person by lunging on the leash)
5. Can get away with bringing into more stores, hotels, restaurants, and public areas.  (Con for large dog as they are noticeable and more people are afraid of them)
6. Due to size and weight, will be welcomed into more hotels and bed and breakfasts. (Con for large dogs as many hotels and B&Bs restrict due to size or weight)
7. Can ride under your passenger seat on an airplane (assuming proper training and all). (Con for large dogs as they will not fit under the passenger seat, and are generally required to travel in the cargo area)
8. Crates are small and easily transportable (or fit into small soft carry bags) and cheaper.  (Con for large dogs whose crates are more expensive and bulky for travel)
9. Equipment costs less due to less fabric (or material) and expensive hardware. (Con for large dog as equipment should be larger and better made for wear and tear)
10. Flea, tick and heartworm products are much cheaper.  Also due to the decreased dosage of prescription products, those will be cheaper as well. (Con for large dog as larger and more expensive dosages are needed)
11. Even if they shed and give off dander, it will be significantly less than a large dog.   Helpful if you have dog allergies but still want a dog. (Con for large dog as they have substantially more fur and dead skin)
12. Their tails are not likely to sweep items off kitchen tables, coffee tables, or display tables.  (Con for large dogs with tails, as their tails can sweep things off tables)

Giant/Large Dog Benefits (in no particular order):

1. There is almost no possibility that you won't see them and step on them.  (Con for small breeds as if you do not notice than you can step on them and hurt them inadvertently)
2. Not likely to be the targets of coyotes, birds of prey, or many other smaller predators.  (Con for small breeds that can easily become prey)
3. If a human has ill intentions towards you, they will think twice before approaching you with your dog.  (Con for small breed as a smaller breed is not as likely to intimidate someone who seeks to do you harm)
4. A large dog will most likely have no trouble jumping into your vehicle, unless they are injured or have a chronic medical problem.  (Con for some small breeds that may need to be picked up to be put in vehicle, especially if the owner has some movement problems)
5. Don't need to worry about another dog easily killing your dog when out and about.  (Con for small breed as they are more delicate than a larger breed, and can be easily injured)
6. If healthy, they won't be easily injured when jumping off or over something.  (Con for some small breeds, their bones and joints are not able to resist such injuries as well)
7. If a stranger realizes they are in your car or home, your car or home is most likely not the top target for crime.  (Con If someone is aware or can hear that you have a small breed, it will be less of a deterrent)
8. Can be assistance dogs for carrying items in packs, balance support, retrieving large items for the disabled, pulling carts, or balance assist a human.  (Con for small breed as far as being unable to retrieve larger things, pull carts, or balance assist)

http://www.mannerlymutts.com

http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com

Robin Katherine Rubin Mannerly Mutts http://www.mannerlymutts.com http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com (main blog address) York Beach, Maine USA 207-809-6300 IACP Professional Member #1942 E-Touch Seminar Attendance Certification Bedrock Training Method Three Day School Attendance Certificate Companion Dog Title completed in June 2008 for Jack CD ILP159648 Doberman Male 4 years old. Owned, handled and trained by Robin Rubin (deceased on 12/23/2009 and forever carried forward in our hearts) Companion Dog Title completed June 2010 for Bri CD American Staffordshire ILP159964 female of 6 years old. Owned by friends of Mannerly Mutts. Trained by Robin Rubin. Handled by Robert and Robin Rubin. Companion Dog Title completed June 2010 for Magoo CD Great Dane WS 28720301 male of one and a half years. Owned by friends and clients of Mannerly Mutts. Trained and handled by Robin Rubin. Leon (aka Ogelthorpe) CGC owned and handled by Robert Rubin in November 2011 (knees prevent from competing in traditional obedience unfortunately) Red Doberman Pincher male WS10508601 of 7 years old. Boris CGC owned and handled by Robin Ruibin in November 2011 (just beginning his obedience career) Black Doberman Pincher male of 2 years old.  (to be registered in UKC as he is a tripod) I do not support the following organizations: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Truly Dog Friendly (TDF), No Shock Collar Coalition (NSCC), Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and IPDTA (International Positive Dog Trainers Association).

Winter Beach Day

Starting off to the beach down the dirt roads of York Maine.

Leon heeling with me with his pack on.

Leon walking with his pack on from behind, as Boris bounces along behind us.

This was the first time Boris willingly did a down on the wet sandy surface of the beach:)  Good to see that our work is paying off.

Going down to the beach with our Aqua Kong, also known as Leon's very favorite toy.

Leon loves the Aqua Kong so much that he will go into the ocean even though it's a bit cold today.   Boris will stay out of the ocean today until it is warmer.

Leon coming out of the water with his Aqua Kong.

Leon looks so happy and proud after retrieving his Aqua Kong from the water.

Leon puts down the Aqua Kong to shake some ocean water off of himself.

This is me trying to line up a decent Frisbee shot for Boris & Leon.

http://www.mannerlymutts.com/

http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/

Wetlands, Daycare, Boarding & Ice Skating

Robert admiring his skates.

Robin in a not so cleared out spot trying to avoid sticks and skate around daycare and boarding dogs (mine too).

Boris says "my feet are cold out here!", while Leon navigates the ice.

Crosby checks out the old lady about to take a header any moment now (just kidding no header, but you can see I have safety gear on).

Bella comes to check it out with Crosby.

Boris watching Miss Bella.

Boris gets his feet a little warmer on the island while Ollie and Bella look on.

http://www.mannerlymutts.com/
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/

Westbrook Maine Show N Gos Perfect to Prepare for Spring and Summer Trials

Three legged "disabled" (NOT) Boris chasing his four legged
companion, Magoo.

Soon Spring and Summer will be here again, and it will be time for the usual AKC obedience trials in the New England area.   Show N Goes are an excellent resource for judging where your team is lacking BEFORE THE TRIALS.   Leon and I are planning to go to the January ShowN Goes in Westbrook Maine.  Boris may tag along on the following ones, although he is technically not qualified to trial (missing leg is considered lame in the AKC but not the UKC. (and whaddayaknow there is a 3/9/2012 Franklin Mass trial, that I just may need to try and attend.

So if you are planning on competing in obedience, interested in competing in obedience or thinking about competing in obedience, check these local things out.   I know I was inspired at the very first obedience competition that I went to.   I love the beauty of a team working together and sharing some amazing times:)

http://www.mannerlymutts.com
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com

Murphy's Vacation

http://www.mannerlymutts.com/
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/