Canine Good Citizenship Program

The CGC test is administered with your dog on a leash.  Collars can be made of leather, chain or cloth.  Special training collars are not allowed for the test such as pinch collars ( this refers to the chain collars with pointed prongs), electronic collars, or head halters.

Body harnesses can be used.  They should not restrict your dog from pulling or jumping.  The person administering the test must be able to see that your dog has been trained not to pull or jump.  

The 20 foot lead for the test is provided by the evaluator.  You should bring your own brush/comb for the grooming/appearance portion of the test.

You are not allowed to use food or treats, or squeaky toys during the test.  These things are beneficial when you are training your dog but are not allowed during the test.  You are allowed to talk to and praise your dog.

Make sure your dog has a potty break prior to taking the test.  Your dog will fail or be dismissed from the test if they:

• Growl
• Snap
• Bite
• Attack
• Attempt to attack or bite another dog or person

Groundhog Day

Will the groundhog see his shadow today?  If so, then we have six more weeks of winter to look forward to.  However if he does not see his shadow, then spring is just around the corner.

Canine Good Citizenship Program

The Canine Good Citizenship Test will expose your dog to a variety of situations; the 10 test areas are:

1. Accepting a friendly stranger
2. Sitting politely for petting
3. Appearance and grooming
4. Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
5. Walking through a crowd
6. Sit and down on command and staying in place
7. Coming when called
8. Reaction to another dog
9. Reaction to distraction
10. Supervised separation

(more details about these 10 test areas in later posts)

Chinese New Year - Year Of The Dragon

Today marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year; 2012 is the year of the black water dragon.  We can expect a year marked by excitement, unpredictability, exhilaration, and intensity.  

Dog Breeding

Another part to consider on how traits are passed along are chromosomes.  A chromosome is the organized structure of DNA.  Genes are placed together in a precise order resembling long strands.  The chromosomes exist in every cell in the body.  The chromosome is paired with a corresponding chromosome; one chromosome is from the bitch and one is from the dog.  

Every chromosome consists of a lot of genetic information. Dogs have 78 chromosomes or 39 pairs.  

Dog Breeding

The responsible dog breeder must have a basic understanding of genetics.  This is how they can control things like color, size, and angulation.  


Let's start with genes.  A gene is the basis of heredity.  There are approximately 19,000 genes within an individual dog.  Genes are made up of DNA.  DNA is a molecule that is shaped like a spiral ladder; each rung of the ladder has two paired chemicals referred to as bases.  

Martin Luther King Day

Today we celebrate the life and and achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr.  He strove to end racial segregation and to achieve racial equality.  Last year "The Stone of Hope" memorial was opened to the public to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Lei Yixin was the master sculptor for this memorial; it is located in West Potomac park, Washington DC.  

Dog Breeding

Most of us don't realize just how long our canine companions have been around, would you believe more than 12,000 years?  Our canine companions are considered the most diverse species on our planet.  Our doggies come in all shapes, sizes, and have varied behavioral traits.  There are now more than 350 different canine types worldwide.  


The number is astounding and you might even ask how did that happen?  As far back as 3 to 4 thousands years ago; there were several different distinct domesticated types of dogs.  People selectively bred dogs for desirable traits and tried to avoid the undesirable traits, even before the science of genetics was developed.  

Dog Show World - cont.

I love the Saint Bernard breed; even though in recent years I have been witness to a side of this breed that is very troubling.  I am not sure that I will get additional Saint Bernards in the future, only time will tell.  The ones I currently own have many years ahead of them, years I plan to make the most of and enjoy.  We are hoping to retire sometime in the next ten years; knowing that, we must also accept that we will not be financially able to show dogs.  Our time in the show world was brief and to us brought more disappointment than success.  It does not turn out that way for everyone.  We wish those of you entering the dog show world good luck and good times!

Dog Show World - continues

Another thing we observed with the dog show world is people strive to finish a dog very quickly.  This is very true for the larger dogs.   I sometimes think this has a lot to do with how powerful the larger dogs become with maturity.  If these dogs do not get sufficient training and socializing; they will be very difficult to handle in the show ring.  Many Saint fanciers have observed in recent years that aggression has become a problem with too many Saint Bernards.  Aggression is not welcome in any breed; but is especially undesirable in the large breeds.  

(more tomorrow)

Dog Show World - continues

Longevity in the dog show world gives you the knowledge necessary to be successful.  The more shows you attend, the more judges you will encounter.  Each judge is unique and you should learn something new with each one; the things you learn will help you to be more successful in the future.  Observing the techniques of other handlers is also very beneficial.  The handler who makes this looks easy deserves your attention.  Take the time to really watch them in the ring; many are like magicians.  

Try to keep in mind that every time your dog enters the ring, you are asking someone's opinion about them.  There will be judges that like your dog and those that don't.  Learn from what they have to say; try not to take what is said personally.  You have asked for their opinion and it has been given.  

(more later)

Dog Show World - cont.

We quickly saw that our breed of choice, the Saint Bernard, is not well represented at the all breed shows.  Often there is no competition, so no points are awarded.  In the beginning we were not troubled by that, we figured it was still good experience for our dogs and us.  As more time passed and our knowledge increased; we realized that  to finish a dog as a Champion there has to be competition.  There is competition and points at the specialty shows; but winning is another matter.  If you have a quality dog and it is showcased to show those qualities, the wins will follow.  Sometimes the dog alone can bring even the novice to the winner’s circle.  It just depends on what the judge likes.

(more thoughts tomorrow)  

Dog Show World - continues

Starting later in life with the dog show world seems like a good plan.  You have more free time and often more expendable income.  We had more free time for this endeavor but our window for financing this adventure was for a limited time.  In our case, we should have gotten involved several years earlier.  This may have allowed us to have more success. 

We were not successful in the dog show world; it did look very promising in the beginning.  We found ourselves going to dog shows most every weekend and we were enjoying it.  We approached this as a learning experience and we did learn a lot.  We still go to specialty shows of our breed, but now we are just spectators.  The dog show world did appeal to me; setting on the side lines is not the same.  

(more later)

Best In Show 2011 AKC/Eukanuba National

GCH CH Jaset's Satisfaction wins Best In Show at the 2011 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.  He is owned by Beth Harris & Michele Molnar & Jamie Danburg.  The breeders are Sandra Tompkins and Chris Bailey.  Ann Rairigh is the Agent.  GCH CH Jaset's Satisfaction is a Standard Poodle.  Congratulations on this fantastic win to all of you from Brandykegs!

Have You Ever Felt Like This?

NOT GONNA GO
Oh Boy! Here's the premium list for a Show!
Oh no! Not that one! We're "not" gonna go!
Remember last year how we swore lose or win
That we'd never set foot on these show grounds again?
It was hot, it was dirty. and not enough shade,
The inadequate benching was so poorly made. 
The entry was lousy in bitches and dogs,
And they charged way too much for their bad catalogues.
The rings were so distant and located far 
From the quagmire where we abandoned the car 
That we nearly collapsed from having to pack 
The dogs, crates and penning over and back.
And we nearly expired from hunger and thirst, 
'Cause the food and drink set-up was truly the worst. 
And the ring was so small and on uneven ground; 
There were stickers and weeds and debris all around,
And it's too far to travel for just one old show 
So throw out the entries: we're not gonna go! 
We'll stay home and loaf and relax and be glad 
For no bathing, nail trimming, and rushing like mad.
No hitting the road at the dawn's early light, 
No dragging home beat in the still of the night. 
Just think of all the time and expense 
We'll save by just using our good common sense.
However, there "is" one small thing I'll concede: 
I would like to watch while they're judging our breed. 
Say, I'll tell you what! Why don't we just go 
As leisurely spectators viewing the show?
What a treat it will be to sit ringside with ease 
And after the judging, just leave when we please. 
No bother with dogs and all their regalia, 
And all of the various paraphernalia.
But. as long as we'll be there, what could be wrong 
With 'just for fun' taking one dog along? 
OK! We'll take one. But the problem is: which? 
A pup? The special? A dog or a bitch? 
If we took a puppy it would just be for fun 
But we could sure use the points if the dog or bitch won.
We'll never decide - it's no use to stall. 
Dig out the entries - We'll enter them all! 
But if it turns out as bad as we fear, 
We'll really and truly stay home "next" year!
Reprinted from Lenape Lines via The Gateway Golden Gazette
 Copyright © John White & Gill White 1998 - 2006

First Day of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community, and culter. Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 to January 1.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Brandykegs!

Winter Begins

Our daylight hours are shorter and our nights are longer.

First Day of Hanukkah

Hanukkah is an eight day Jewish holiday celebrating the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

On The Twelfth Day Of Christmas

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me twelve drummers drumming