AKC Abbreviations (cont.)

The prefix CFC listed before a dog's registered name means Coonhound Field Champion. This is a Coonhound Field Trial Title. In order to acquire this title; a dog must win 1 First Line and and 1 First Tree in Finals at least once on the same date and in the same trial with competition; and have a total of 200 championship points.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day commemorates our soldiers who have died while serving in the military. Memorial Day was once known as Decoration Day. It is celebrated each year on the last Monday in May.

AKC Abbreviations ( continues)

The prefix CT listed before the dog's registered name means Champion Tracker. This is a Tracking Test Title. In order to acquire the CT; a dog must hold all three tracking titles (TD, TDX, and VST.)

AKC Abbreviations (cont.)

The prefix CCH before the dog's registered name means Bench Show Champion. This is a Coonhound Bench Show Title. A dog must have a total of 100 points under 2 different judges and 1 Best In Show win with competition to acquire this title.

AKC Abbreviations (cont.)

The prefix CH listed in front of the dog's registered name means Champion. This is a conformation title. In order to receive this title, a dog must acquire 15 points; this includes 2 major wins under 2 different judges and at least 1 point under another judge.

AKC Abbreviations

The prefix title AFC found in front of a dog's registered name means; Amateur Field Trial Champion. This is a Field Trial Title. For additional information visit AKC.

Things to Consider (continues)

Respect Your Neighbors - We should always keep in mind that not everyone will love our dogs as much as we do. That is why it is so important to keep your dog on your property, walk them on a leash, don't allow nuisance barking, and pick up after your dogs. Be a good neighbor!

Things to Consider (cont.)

Set A Good Example - Keep in mind if you have a pure bred dog your neighbors will view them as an example of that particular breed. Having a well behaved dog reflects nicely on the breed and yourself.

Things to Consider (continues)

Join An AKC Club - If you have the time, join a Specialty or All Breed Club in your area. Clubs offer so many resources such as health clinics, fun matches, educational seminars, updates on dog legislation in your area, etc. Active Clubs have monthly meetings and allow you to stay current on issues, plus you can have a voice at these meetings. I belong to Specialties Clubs and an All Breed Club both have pros and cons. Sadly the Specialty Clubs memberships are declining, the same is true for All Breed Clubs but since they incorporate all breeds their memberships are higher overall. It is difficult to find time to be an active member of a club, it can be very rewarding though.

Things to Consider (cont.)

Contain Bitches In Heat - Your bitch in heat can be sensed by dogs up to a five mile area. Make sure you keep her properly secured.

Things to Consider (continues)

Breed To Improve - The advancement of the breed should be a primary concern for breeding your dog. Sound bodies and good temperament do not just happen. Consult your breeder, your veterinarian, they can help provide you with sound advice. Consider all the costs of breeding.

St. Bernard Specialty Shows in Oregon

The Saint Bernard Club of Southern Oregon will host two Specialty Shows this weekend. The Shows will be held at Indian Mary Park, 7100 Merlin-Galice Rd, Merlin, Oregon. Mrs. Myra S. Wallis will be their judge on Saturday, May 21st, 2011; and Mrs. Sandra A. Lane will be their judge on Sunday, May 22nd, 2011. On Satuday Pam Hathaway will be the Sweepstakes and Bred By Sweepstakes Judge. On Sunday Susan West will be the Sweepstakes and Bred By Sweepstakes Judge. The Junior Showmanship Judge will be Nancy Aiken on Saturday; and Allan Immerman on Sunday. There will also be All Breed Obedience and Rally Trials on Saturday, May 21st, 2011 (All American Dogs/Mixed Breeds may participate in the Obedience and Rally Trials.) Allan Immerman will be the judge for the Obedience and Rally Trials. There will be a Weight Pull today, Friday evening, May 20th, 2011. Brandykegs attended last year's Specialty Shows; good luck to all the exhibitors!

Things to Consider (cont.)

Supervise With Children - Just because your dog is good with children, there could be a problem with children that are not good with dogs. Don't leave a dog and children unattended, supervision is always a good idea.

Things to Consider (continues)

Prevent Nuisance Barking - Be a good neighbor and keep the barking from your dog to a minimum. Let your dog know that nuisance barking is not acceptable behavior. Consider using bark collars for problem dogs. Consult your veterinarian about debarking problem dogs. Check with your neighbors about nuisance barking from your dog, don't ignore a problem.

Grand Championship Additions

The American Kennel Club has made some modifications to the Grand Championship Program. There are now four different levels of achievement within the Grand Championship Program; this became effective on May 11th, 2011. The four levels of achievement are Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

1. Bronze - 100 points required
2. Silver - 200 points required
3. Gold - 400 points required
4. Platinum - 800 points required

Once a level is achieved, the owner will receive a special recognition medallion and certificate from AKC. The Grand Championship judging remains the same; once a dog completes the Grand Championship title; points will continue to accrue for the four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Two Grand Champion Saint Bernards have achieved the Bronze Level they are:

1. GCH CH Alta Vista's Billion Kilowatt CD RN
2. GCH CH Michey III

Things to Consider (cont.)

Go To Class - Obedience classes are beneficial to you and your dog. Experienced trainers can help you learn how to be the alpha and have a well behaved dog. Most classes last six to eight weeks. To be successful, it is necessary to work with your dog daily on the things you learn in class.

Things to Consider (continues)

Socialize Your Dog - It is very important to expose your dog to lots of different people, dogs, and situations. Be sure to praise them whenever they exhibit positive behaviors with people and dogs. It is just as important to let your dog know that you are unhappy about bad behavior around people and dogs. Socializing is another thing you must begin early and continue through their life.

Things to Consider (continues)

Teach Basic Commands - All dogs should learn the basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Take the time to teach the basic commands, you won't be sorry that you did. Begin early with this training, reinforce the commands to them daily. Your dog wants to please you; let them know how pleased you are when they masters these commands.

Things to Consider (cont.)

Be The Alpha - This is so important whether you have a very small dog or a very large dog; you must be the alpha. Here are a few things you might think about regarding being the alpha: don't allow your dog to go through a doorway ahead of you, don't let them sit on your feet, and don't let them pull on a lead.

Things to Consider (continues)

Ease Separation Anxiety - You should try to leave your dog alone each day, don't make a big deal about leaving or returning. You want them to feel at ease not stressed. Consider leaving the radio or television on.

Things to Consider (cont.)

Talk To Your Dog - They may not understand what we are saying, but they are good listeners. Dogs react to inflections, loudness or softness of our voices. Dogs have a limited vocabulary but are able to know what some words relate to; like sit, walk, food, etc.

Things to Consider (continues)

Go On Walks - Please keep in mind that most states have leash laws, so keep your dog on a secure leash when you are out walking. Incorporate some training while on a walk. Don't let them drag you down the street, you should be in control. There are many head and body harnesses out there that help to stop dogs from pulling. Change directions while on a walk, your dog should learn to follow your every move. Stop at different intervals, your dog should stop and sit or stand next to you.

Things to Consider (cont.)

Play With Your Dog - Whether its tug of war or fetching something, dogs love to play. It is also a great outlet for using up some of their energy. This activity won't take that much time, but you and your dog will benefit from the interaction.

Things to Consider (continues)

Establish An Emergency Contact - Make sure you have someone you can rely upon to look after your pet when you are unable to do so. This individual should be someone your dog knows. Provide them with a list of general care instructions such as, what to feed and how much, medications your dog receives, details of who your veterinarian is, current copy of their vaccinations and license.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day from Brandykegs!

M - O - T - H - E - R
By Howard Johnson

"M" is for the million things she gave me,

"O" means only that she's growing old,

"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,

"H" is for her heart of purest gold,

"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,

"R" means right, and right she'll always be.

Put them altogether, they spell

"MOTHER"

A word that means the world to me.

Saint Bernard Specialty Clubs

Brandykegs has a list of several Saint Bernard Specialty Clubs located around the world, visit our links page to check out a club in your area.

Rio Hondo Kennel Club

The Rio Hondo Kennel Club will host two all breed dog shows this weekend, Saturday, May 7th and Sunday, May 8th, 2011; at Cal Poly University, 3801 W Temple Ave., Athletic Field, Pomona, California. Brandykegs wishes all the exhibitors at these events the best of luck!

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo marks the day that the Mexican Army was victorious over the French at the Battle of Puebla. This date is celebrated across the United States to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. Today is often confused with Mexican Independence, but that occurred on September 16th, 1810.

Entries Close Today For SBCSO

Entries close today, Wednesday, May 4, 2011, for the Saint Bernard Specialty Shows hosted by the Saint Bernard Club of Southern Oregon. Their Specialty Shows will be held on Saturday, May 21st, 2011 and Sunday, May 22nd, 2011; at Indian Mary Park, 7100 Merlin-Galice Rd, Merlin, Oregon.

Brandykegs Store

Geometric design hinged box for a variety of items such as potpourri, jewelry, etc.; visit our store to purchase. Free USPS shipping.

Brandykegs Store

This attractive black frame with pawprints on hearts will hold your favorite 8" by 10" photo, visit our store for details to purchase. Free USPS shipping.

Brandykegs Store

Tissue box cover with your favorite Saint Bernard breed on two sides and a rescue barrel on the other two sides; go to our store for details on purchasing. Free USPS shipping.