ACDSpotlight

Butter rules the roost with her brother Dobie

& John Livingston & Joe Dickson in Austin.

Thank you both for letting Princess Buttercome out and play!

BISS, AOM, AM/CAN Ch.

SilverDustReal Butter

HTAD Is, HSAs, CD, CGC, TDI ROM

NEWS FLASH!Butter is Best Veteran in Sweeps at first

Mid-West ACD Regional Specialty.

Deb Casey ■ Fort Worth, TXwww.TXK9.com ■ australiancattledo g.com

Handled by Sherri Hurst. Thank you to judge Caroline Herbel.

Photo by: Mike Fine

The ACD Xtreme Juniors Newsletter is a subscription pFront cover is not for sale Back cover $75 All othe

All Junior ads are FREEFor more information, Contact

[email protected] 918-256-2555

publication. er ads $30

E

Sire: CH Turrella Blue Panda BearDam: Kombinalong Too Super For YouBreeders: Sue Christianson, Freida Young & Sam YoungOwners: Paula Klingeman & Vicky Fowler

Taylor finished his Championship at 10 months old, & won Best Puppy in Properties at the 2012 ACDCA National Specialty!

Health Screenings:

PRA — “A”BAER — NormalHips & Elbows — Too Young

Thanks to the judges who made him a Champion: ■ Mrs. Janet Turnage Nahikian■ Dr. Robert D. Smith■ Mr. Walter J. Sommerfelt■ Mrs. Avery Gaudin■ Mrs. Edy Dykstra-Blum■ Ms. Chantal M. Andrew

(for giving him his 1st Grand point)■ THANKS TO DEB MINTZER FOR GIVING

TAYLOR BEST PUPPY IN PROPERTIES!

Tucker is now an International Champion, and

Sire: CH Buzzards Blackjack Dam: CH Buzzards

Jewel of a Josie

Loved by: Marc & Carol MooreResaca, Georgia

Always Professionally Handled by: Jennifer Bittner

Thank you, Jim, Theresa & Colston!

d has earned 37 BOB wins in less than 1 year!

Sire: GRCH Moonfly’s Ice Blue Flame, PT, RA

Dam: CH SilverDust Keep A Secret

Owned by: Rebecca Gardner

Co-owned by: Deb Casey

Handled by: Mary Cummings

SilverDust Ice Blue

SecretA.K.A. Lilly

Pictured at 6 months

AKCBreeder of MeritDeb CaseyFort Worth, TXwww.TXK9.com

Design by [email protected]

Thank you to the Carolyn Herbel and our handler Sherri Hurst.

Owner:Sherry L. Dodson DVM

Breeder:Morrise Tompkins

& Deb Casey

Call Name

Dog’s Best Friend — by Colston Couch

Born a champion, I began life with my best friend.We did not know it at firstbut later we figured outthat we needed each other.

He taught me how to showbut I really didn’t like it.So, it didn’t last long…

After my short show life I just stayed in our house

and laid around.Isn’t that what dogs do?

I loved sitting at the tableusing my big brown eyes to beg for bits of food.And as I got olderI learned his every move

and waited at the door for his return from school. Everyday.

Most nights he would scratch my belly until I fell asleep.

The older I got,the harder it was to get into bed

and harder to play.

LexiCH Buzzards Limited Lexus

He didn’t ask much of me in my old agebut I always tried to make him happy.I knew something was wrong but didn’t want him to know.I wasn’t able to do the things I used to,but still wanted to be there for him.

I made it through my last night knowing he would be looking for me in the morning.And I could tell by the look in his eyes that he knew.So, he sat with me and told me how much he loved me

and scratched my belly for the last time.

I wanted to stay a little longer, to be at the door when he returnedbut my old body wou ld not allow it.I took my last breath wishing he was with me.

•

• •

2012ACDCA

VersatilityWinner!

PRODUCED THE FIRST RED ACD TO WIN BREED AT WESTMINSTER PLANNED WINTER BREEDING…CH KUAWARRI N CWEST SPECTACULAR CGCGCH CALL ME LET FREEDOM RING

Palinfinished

In 4 days,taking 4

point Majorsevery day!

She went to Georgia &

showed themhow it’s done!!!

to Laura Coomes for a job welldone, and to Mrs. Wendy G.Willhauck who gave her the winto become a Champion.

“From the minute I laid eyes on Palin, I knew

she was the keeper.”

601-749-4531www.bleumooncattledogs.com

Competitive by nature,capable by design.

Competitive by nature,capable by design.

STOCK OPTIONS ACDSSTOCK OPTIONS ACDS

Kim & Darren Brosterwww.stockoptionsacds.com ■ (270) 978-5599

AKC BREEDER of MERIT

Stock Options ACDs proudly announces our first Bred By Herding Champion/Dual Champion,

DC WTCH Stock Options Cowculated Risk HXAsd HXBd HIAsd HIBd HSAcds HSBd RN QWCHIC # 82307, PRA prcd pattern A, OFA Good Hips,

Normal Elbows and Patellas, Cardiac and BAER Normal ad CERF Clear

Reckon has earned multiple HIT and RHIT on cattle, sheep and ducks at al levels, including RHIT on Cattle at the 2011 ACDCA National Specialty. We are looking forward

to pursuing his AHBA Herding Trial CH next and seeing his pups follow in his paw prints.

Be sure to leteveryone knowabout your dog or kennel’s latestachievements by placing an eye-catching ad in yourfavorite publication. I’ll be sure to make your ad

STAND OUT from the rest!

[email protected]

Get on board with the “Special” ACD Spotlight Design Rate:� $75 per 2-page spread

� $50 per single page

Design work and ad alterations for other publications will bebilled at the regular $50-per-hourrate. Email for details.*

* Excessive alteration time for Spotlight ads will be billed at $25-per-hour. Special Spotlight rate applies only to Spotlight ad placement. Ads to be placedin outside publications will be billed at the regular $50-per-hour rate.

Rally Excellent

Agility Excellent

Agility Excellent Jumpers

Herding Started Course A V

V V

V

Always owner handled - Nicole Morris - Escondido, CA

[email protected]

Bred by: Joyce Redden - Reddenblu Australian Cattle Dogs

HSAs earned with a

PERFECT SCORE of 100 1st Place and RHIT!

• Son of CH Brasco Blue Bold N’ Brawn

• Owned, trained, shown & loved by:

Jim, Louanne and Amelia Brooks,

Hillhaven ACDs

• Sire, Grandsire and Great

Grandsire of many Champions

and companions.

• Group Winning; Top 10 or

Top 20 ACDs All Breed every

year he was shown from

1998 until his final show in

2005, when he went Best of

Breed at the AKC Eukanuba

National Championship

under Jean Fournier.

You belonged to us; we belonged to you; we belong together.

God speed, good buddy.

A Tale of the TailThe ACD tail and the breed standard

Marc MooreNovember 7, 2012

It’s a simple Tail right?

After having rescued Australian Cattle Dogs for nearly 30 years we never really focused on the tail of our dogs (other than if they had one!). I mean we had dogs that had bushy tails, thin tails, curly tails and bent tails.That lack of focus on the tail ended this past year when we began to show our first ACD in confirmation. Looking at the standard it talks about the tail, giving the judges what appears on the surface a clear way to see the tail and how it relates on a confirmation correct ACD.

Let’s look at this part of the AKC standard and see what is says and just as important what it doesn’t say.

“The set of the tail is moderately low, following the contours of the sloping croup and of length to reach the hock. At rest it should hang in a very slight curve. During movement or excitement the tail may be raised, but under no circumstances should any part of the tail be carried past a vertical line drawn through the root.The tail should carry a good brush.” from AKC standard for the australian cattle dog.

Well that seems simple enough...right.? As i have found out this year it’s not seemingly as simple to understand as one would think.

Lets look at the first part it deals with the attachment location of the tail. Basically the standard says the tail should be attached at a point where it appears that the body continues on down, that’s what following the contours of the sloping croup means. The tail shouldn’t look placed on the back or it shouldn’t look as if the angle of the body stops and a new angle of the tail starts.See the drawing below how the croup and tail flow together into one line.

The next item the standard addresses is the length of the tail, not to long or not too short is good right? Yes but it should end just about the hock. Clearly a little above is ok as a little below is ok that’s what approximately means, although remember a tail that is too long is more likely a problem when working than the opposite since it could get stepped on or caught in between something.

The next section of the standard has to do with the movement section, this is the area of understanding that really needs clarification with many in the judging community.I have a very confident male dog who doesn’t care if he is in the show ring or in a livestock pen it’s all work to him. With this “work” comes the typical ACD focus...as any of you who have cattle dogs know most have an “all in” philosophy, if it’s play or work if you are a cattle dog you go all out, it’s probably this that makes us love the breed so much, they do nothing half way.So when it comes to a cattle dog in the show ring judges must understand this. The standard says the tail can be raised during movement or excitement (or both). It is the understanding of how high that has created so much “fun” for us with new AKC judging friends this past year.Let’s look first at what the standard does not say..it does NOT say where it CAN be moved to during this movement or excitement. The only thing it says is where it can NOT go.Basically the standard leaves it open for the tail to be anywhere during movement, anywhere but one place.Anywhere means straight out, down low, or even higher than straight out, even between the legs (as much as i don’t like to see that) is all allowed in the standard.The standard says the one area that is a no zone is above a VERTICAL line drawn through the root of the tail.This clearly states that if you draw a line from the ground up toward the sky going through the point where the tail attaches that no part of the tail is to cross that line, But also just as clearly the standard allows the tail to be ANYWHERE up to that point.

Carrying the tail anywhere up to the line during movement is fine according to the standard. Plus the standard says nothing about the shape of the tail during movement, at rest it should be down.

Fig1

Fig1 shows the Vertical (up) line drawn through the root of the tail, note the tail up is nowhere close to crossing the line.

Fig 2

Fig 2 shows a HORIZONTAL line drawn across the topline of the body, note there is NO mention in the standard of the ACD moving with a horizontal tail position, it is fine but in no way according to the standard is it preferred or required.

Let’s remember dogs, all dogs , use their tail as an instrument of expression, we all know what a wagging tail (or nub) means, well many ACDs show their expression during work with the tail. The mention in the standard was so that the tail fixed placement would be recognized as proper (following angle of the croup) and so

that a tail that comes up over the back could be seen as a problem mainly because this would show a likely structure problem of the attaching point of tail, keeping the “GAY” tail from becoming an issue in the breed.Having judges who misinterpret horizontal from vertical is something that has frustrated me a few times this year as some have said to me they wished my dogs tail did not come up past his topline as its detracts from his movement? Well if they would reread the standard and realize the individual dog dictates the placement (during movement) of his tail and that yes an AKITA style tail is wrong on an ACD but anything up to that VERTICAL line is just fine, and that unlike many of the other breeds in the show ring that day, the ACD is going to work when his handler at the entrance of the ring says..........let’s go!

The last part of the tail section of the standard addresses the coat finishing of the ACD tail, this section says it should carry a good brush, some have more “brush” than others, But again we should go back to the cattledog’s function for why this was even mentioned in the standard like it was. The cattledog was one of the original tools for the Australian rancher to gather up and drive his cattle long distances over sometimes many days and weeks which meant this dog didn’t come inside to a warm house every night , it slept on the ground of the outback in the cold and at times rain, the good brush of the tail is used to help keep the ACD warm has they can curl up and keep the face and head warm with a tail of good brush.

An ACD tail is much like the ACD itself varied and unique in it’s shape, color and movement, but with the guidelines allowed by the AKC standard it’s not to difficult to get the Tale of the Tail.

Group 3thank you judge Mrs. Cathy Daugherty

CH Oakwood’s

Refried Beans

Matthew & Jacquelyn Johnsonwww.oakwoodacds.com

“Frijoles” first three weekends out as a special he went BB 4 out of 6 times and the other two times went select dog and BOS, plus a group 3!

We are expectingpuppies out of CH Oakwood’sRefried Beans & CH ScrubbyCreeks Bluebell.

Show, Working & Companions

Available!

Sire:CH Stockhands Red Beans and Rice HSAs RN

Dam:CH Shalimar I Always Get My Way PTOFA good hips/elbows normal; annual CERF, cardiologist clearance, BAER normal, Optigen tested pattern A/clear/normal, PLL clear/normal, full dentition.

“Checkers”is major pointed towards his GRCH, with very limited showing. He has aFABULOUS temperament,beautiful movement and his first kids arelooking great!

Owned by:Cecilie [email protected]

ACD Spotlight on a Breeder

Call Me Farms Cynthia Humphrey

2xAOM GCH Call Me Justa Real Havana aka Havana

How long have you been in Dogs?

I have had a dog all my life, but have been involved in the dog world 28 years.

How long have you had the ACD and what is your background?

I have had ACD's for 20 years. I was born in Cooma, Australia NSW. So maybe it was in

my blood and soul. I am a certified Master Trainer and was trained at Triple Crown Acade-

my in Hutto, Texas.

Why did you choose the ACD?

I wanted a smart herding dog with less hair, as I had owned a few border Collies.

How did you decide that this breed was for you?

The dogs themselves just convinced me. I am glad they are wonderful dogs.

How did you first get involved in the ACD?

I bought my first girl from Maggie McCoy Pouge at M-M ranch. CH Kiss Me Kate of Call Me

aka Katie.

What do you do with your dogs (i.e. herding, performance, conformation)?

I enjoy them and show in conformation.

What titles have your puppy buyers put on your dogs you have bred?

Obedience, Agility and conformation titles.

What made your decision to start breeding?

I had a nice sound girl and wanted a nice boy to show. So I bred Katie, had a great litter

and kept Walkabout, a big red male. He was my first finished AKC Champion. His regis-

tered name was CH Call Me Just On Walkabout aka Walkabout. Katie finished soon after

him.

What caused you to pick the particular dog/ bloodlines (S) that you did to start your breed-

ing program?

I knew Maggie had nice dogs and went with her. I was never disappointed in the girl Katie

that she sent me. I then bought an Import from Adam Grant. That dog was Olman Work N

Class Man (Jake). He turned out to be an A and was a nice dog to live with.I was very lucky

as Katie turned out to be a C and this was before the DNA for PRCD. Between Jake and

Kate I had some nice dogs.

What dog/bitch to date is your best dog/ bitch produced and why?

2XAOM GCH Call me Just a Real Havana aka Havana is a great one for me. She is my dog

but will tolerate others. She is a thinker and has accomplished a lot in her life for a show

dog. Besides be-

ing somewhat of a

bully she is very

manageable.

I also have great

things to say

about Merlin,

AOM GCH Call Me

Work N Some

Magic, who has

fulfilled a lot of

J o h n C o n e ’ s

dreams. Merlin is

an Award of Merit

Winner at a Re-

gional Specialty,

has 24 Best of

Breed Wins to

Date, has a Herd-

ing Group 4 Place-

ment, and has his

Grand Champion

Bronze Achieve-

ment Level. Plus

Merlin is John’s

Best Bud and GCH Call Me Work N Some Magic aka Merlin (bronze level grand)

partner in crime. What more do you want out of dog then that? I am very proud of my dogs

even if ones that are just a companion and someone’s best bud for life. To fill someone’s

heart is a big job and Call Me dogs do it well.

When deciding on a breeding do you outcross, line breeding, inbreeding, or a combination

of all?

I do all of the above except inbreeding.

GCH Call Me Justa Real Havana aka Havana winning Grand sweepstake winner third

time ever shown at our Mid-Florida first Regional under John Roberts and then went

on to get a 5 pt major as winners bitch and Best of Winners.

Do you breed to outside females and if so what is your criteria?

Not very often and they have to be well tempered and tested.

Who influenced your breeding choices the most & why?

Good dogs.

What dog has made the biggest impact on your breeding program to date?

I have had two. One was the import I bought from Adam Grant. That dog was Olman Work

N Class Man aka Jake. He was all Landmaster and Rokglen bred. The other was my dog

CH Hobnoch All Jacted Up aka Jac. Bred by Silvia Scarborough out of my boy CH Call Me

Ready To Ignite aka Zippo and her import Hobnoch In Denim.

What bitch has made the biggest impact on your breeding program to date?

I have two. My first bitch, I got from Maggie McCoy Pouge at M-M ranch. Then I have a nice

girl that I bred; CH Call Me Plain Raise N Cain Jane. I also have great hopes for 2XAOM

GCH Call me Just a Real Havana aka Havana in the whelping box.

Call Me Farms has produced at least 50 AKC Champions. Most of those were finished by

me. I sell very few dogs on full registration. I have to have quite a bit of confidence in the

owner to do full registration. Most have not failed me. Others not so much… Breeding

dogs is a tough business.

Which Dog & Bitch in your breeding program was most successful or that you feel contrib-

uted the most to the breed?

Havana, but she has not been bred yet but will be bred to Kuban owned by Ellen Beasley

and bred by Stacy Helsal.

How do you raise your puppies?

They are born inside. So I can keep a good eye on them and Mom. After they start eating

more than one meal a day, they go outside in a large area with a huge doghouse.

GCH Call Me Let Freedom Ring aka Dixie owned by Sherry Mclennan and her

grand daughter

Call Me C'West My Own Revival aka Reva a new hopeful. She is out of my girl CH Call Me Fair-

bairn Rite As Rain and Sherry's wonderful male CH Kuawarri N CWest Spectacular.

What do you feed your puppies?

I feed raw and a super premium kibble.

How did you come up with your kennel name?

I was brilliant [smile]. Call Me works with everything.

And if you need a good dog, Call Me.

Do you have a distinguishable line?

I think I do, but that really is also up to the observer.

If you were going to rate type, temperament, &

soundness in what order of importance what would

be the order & why?

Temperament, structure/soundness. You have to be

able to live with them and then they need to be

comfortable in life as far as living and moving.

Call Me Buckle Up Butter Cup aka Butter Cup

Call Me The Last Boyscout aka Boyscout and Ashwood Call Me Take N All Bets aka Cheddar

What do you think are the most serious faults in the

breed today?

No fill of chest and lack of upper arm and i think the

heads are getting to have to much stop. Just my two

cents…

What would say are the biggest genetic faults in our

breed today?

Missing teeth and deafness…

Do you consider yourself a mentor to others coming in

the breed?

Yes, but being a mentor is tough. Some listen to you long

enough to learn a few things and then before you know it,

they are telling you your own verbiage and it was all

them. It can be quite frustrating. I still do it and love to do

it. But some are wonderful and some are disappointing. I

try to be as helpful to my clients as I can be. I always follow my dog’s lives. I try to check in

and make sure things are working. I just feel it comes with the territory.

Describe an average day living with your dogs?

Let em in, let em out…… [laughs]

What should people who are interested in this breed know before they bring one into their

homes?

Oh my, that is a big list. They are controlling, shed like crazy and time demanding. They are

smart, loyal, a great size, athletic but can be destructive if left to their own devices. They

need mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. ACDs are comedians, over achievers

and the best friend you will ever have. But you have to devote the time.

Call Me Marquis Big Trouble N Lil

Mesa Owned by Leslie Marquis

Is there anything interesting that the breeding community (for your breed) is working on?

Trying to all get along…

Do you feel the current AKC/UKC/ANC/FCI/ANKC standard is adequate?

I wish really it had never been changed. I find it funny that people now think they know

more than the people that depended on these dogs every day.

Any comments that you wish to add:

Dog ownership is under attack by animal rights groups and politicians. These groups are

well funded and use graphic images, lies and propaganda to attempt to sway public opin-

ion and votes. The entire dog community needs to put aside petty differences and work to-

gether to put a stop to this. If we do not put up a unified front, dog ownership as we know

it, may become a thing of the past.

I love this shot, it is Butter Cup and her brother Call Me Game On aka Trace now Noah and he

belongs to Mark Saling from Glee

2xAOM GCH Call Me Justa Real Havana aka Havana

My name is Jennifer Smith, I'm

36 and I have been "Disc Dog-

gin" (as we call it) for going on

three years.... Me and my Boy-

friend, Randy Aten, are from

Northern Indiana and own

three Heelers..."Amazing"

Grace 7 , Springer 1 and Sidney

9 mo.

Their absolute favorite thing to

do....is play Frisbee....we com-

pete throughout the spring,

summer and fall, and a lil bit

through the winter...We belong to a couple clubs one out of Indianapolis,

Indy Dog and Disc Club and another that we are more a part of, Midwest

Disc Dog Club...MDDC being out of Chicago, and is a lil closer for us to at-

tend...We have come so far in such a short time, it is the most rewarding

sport for both you and your beloved pooch! The folks we compete with are

the best dog folks around....

I do a lot of work with our local recues with working with them and helping

to place them in forever homes...they all now look for the cattle dogs out of

the rescues just for me! LOL My love for the breed has grown sooo much! I

grew up with horses, but my cattle dogs have stolen my heart, as I have

never encountered a better breed of dog! and I am bias! LOL

Jen Smith Team H-D

Hard Diskin' High Flyin Heelers

Indy Dog And Disc Club -IDDC www.D-dog.com Skyhoundz- Hyperflyte www.Skyhoundz.com

Venison Joe's is a Texas based company. Here at Joe's, we are all committed to giving our own dogs the highest quality natural foods available and the best quality all natu-ral dog snacks and dog treats. After giving our own dogs all sorts of natural bones and treats, we noticed that dogs really like the taste of venison and especially hickory

smoked venison bones. Venison makes a great protein source for their diet and offers some variation for them. Our smoked venison bones make a great alternative snack chew for dogs that have allergies to other proteins and because we make an all natural product, it is good for dogs without allergies of any kind too. Try natural venison bones for your dog

and you will see that they truly enjoy the wild taste that it offers. Bison also makes a good alternative protein source. All of the bison that we use are free range Texas Bison. Our Texas Bisonbones are hickory smoked to perfec-tion. If you have a large dog that likes to chew...then your dog just might have met it's match with these bones. Bison is becoming more and more popular as a natural al-ternative for dogs. Many new dog foods contain bison as a unique protein source and dogs are not only loving it but they are also performing well on it. If your dog has an allergy to beef, that doesn't necessarily mean that they have an intolerance of bison. These new additions to Venison Joe's are sure to provide hours and hours and hours of entertainment. You will find them next to our venison products under the

heading Texas Bison in our online store: Shop Our Dog Chews All of the hickory smoked dog bones that we offer are from animals that are fed a nat-ural diet and never grazed in pastures that have been sprayed by chemicals so you can

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our dog bones are slow smoked at a low temperature with real hickory wood. Our

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tering that is caused when bones are cooked or boiled.

We have strict handling procedures on all of our dog bones and we also inspect our

product before and after it is smoked to guarantee the finest quality and healthiest

product for your dog. We hand trim all of our deer, elk and bison bones and discard

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that we take to provide your dog with the best natural smoked bones. You can read

more about our strict quality assurance on our Product Quality page.

Our Antler Chews are top quality!

We use natural antler sheds from free range deer and elk. The antlers that we use

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At Venison Joe's, we always have something up our sleeves and we also have some

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Vitamin C and its role in Stress Management, Bone Metabolism and its influence on the skin and coat

of the dog By Melvyn John BHS. IT.

VYDEX ANIMAL HEALTH LTD.

In recent years major advances have been achieved in our understanding of the metab-

olism and the importance of vitamin C in domestic animals (*Wegger et al., 1984). Nu-

merous studies have shown that the synthesis and the consumption of vitamin C de-

pend on many factors. In various nutritional deficiencies and in many diseases of do-

mestic animals the synthesis of vitamin C is reduced and its concentration in the blood

plasma drops.

Owing to a concurrent reduction in the concentration of vitamin C in the cells, the rates

of various biochemical reactions are reduced and the performance of various cell types

impaired. Administration of vitamin C has been found beneficial in dealing with various

infectious diseases, hip displasia, bone development, protein metabolism and stress of

domestic animals. The list of biochemical function that vitamin C is involved in is much

more extensive, I have highlighted those that are relevant to this article.

Of particular interest in veterinary medicine are cases of scurvy which were character-

ized by painful swellings of joints being reported in young dogs. In such cases insuffi-

cient synthesis or insufficient uptake of vitamin C has been indicated as the cause.

Various studies have shown that adding small amounts of vitamin C to the food have a

beneficial effect on growth and on improved performance of the immune system.

The following is intended to provide an understanding of the role of vitamin C and the

basics of physiological stress and ways of using this knowledge in practical situations,

the influence vitamin C has on the immune system, the influence vitamin C has on Vita-

min D3 and bone metabolism and the importance of vitamin C for skin and coat.

Much confusion exists as to what stress is, and is not. Consequently, management prac-

tices may result in stress responses often creating situations which aggravate the initial

reaction to the stressor. In order to avoid this we must first understand what

'physiological' stress really is. Physiological stress is not psychological stress, (the pres-

sures we feel in our daily lives). Physiological stress is the nonspecific response to any

external demand which calls upon the animal to adapt to a new situation. Life is a con-

stant set of adjustments.

(Continued )

Energy is needed to make these adjustments. Whether the adjustment is either great or

small, physiological stress provides the energy to accomplish the adjustment through

nonspecific responses. For every external demand, or 'stressor' (a situation that causes

stress), there is both a specific response and a nonspecific response. The specific re-

sponse is unique for each stressor but the nonspecific response is essentially the same

for every stressor. Since the presence of stressors is constant, by definition the absence

of stress would be death. We cannot totally avoid stress, we must manage it.

The concept of physiological stress was first developed by a scientist named *Selye

(1936,1973), who termed his observations General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). Selye

observed that most chronically ill individuals exhibited similar symptoms. There are

three stages in the 'General Adaptation Syndrome'. The first is the alarm reaction or the

so-called 'fight or flight' reaction.

At this stage a sudden biochemical reaction takes place, (characterized by huge releas-

es of adrenaline and similar hormones from the sympathetic nervous system). These

compounds cause rapid release of glucose from body reserves (primarily from glyco-

gen). This produces available energy to elude a stressor. The animal quickly enters the

stage of resistance. This is the period when glucose is formed from less available re-

serves such as lipids and proteins.

The important aspect of the stage of resistance is that it will continue until recovery

from the stressor occurs or the animal enters the stage of fatigue and dies. The animal

dies from either the depletion of reserves or adrenocortical exhaustion. That is when the

adrenal cortex (the source of corticosteroids) depletes the survival functions which in-

clude regulation of heat loss, blood flow and respiration etc. so that they can no longer

be supported. The time course of the three stages of the 'General Adaptation Syndrome'

depends upon the severity of the stressor. A chronic stressor requires small changes

over a long period of time.

The adaptation to warmer weather that takes place over several weeks during the start

of summer is an example. An acute stressor requires immediate life-saving adaptations

to survive. The sudden onset of very hot weather creates such a situation. The animal

has not had sufficient time to adapt to the hot weather. In the latter case an alarm reac-

tion is followed by a resistance stage. If the adreal-cortex is depleted before the stressor

is removed, then death will occur.

Although they may seem unlikely, growth and reproduction both call upon the body to

constantly change, and are by definition stressors. With a seemingly endless myriad of

stressors, the challenge for modern animal management is to modify or manage physio-

logical stress. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplementation has been shown to reduce

heat stress related mortality in birds (*Pardue, 1983). One of the most difficult

concepts of physiological stress to understand is suppression of the immune system.

The immune reaction consumes considerable quantities of metabolic reserves. Additionally, aberrant reactions such as allergic reactions can be harmful and should be

suppressed. Vitamin C has been shown to modify the immune response, *Pardue

(1983). Vitamin C has also been shown to improve reproductive efficiency.

In infectious diseases the food uptake is often reduced and the concentration of glu-

cose in the blood plasma drops. Under these circumstances the extent of synthesis of

vitamin C in the liver of mammals drops. At the same time the consumption of vitamin C

increases because of the increase in secretion of glucocorticosteroids. Various investi-

gations on domestic animals suffering from certain infections have shown a reduction in

the content of vitamin C in the blood plasma or serum.

In dogs suffering from distemper, administration of vitamin C at high levels for three

days or longer usually results in improvement in the clinical condition and rapid recov-

ery, especially if this treatment is used at an early stage (*Leveque, 1969). As a rule, an

optimal supply level can be achieved by oral administration of 300 to 500mg vitamin C

daily. Studies conducted by *Brehm (1964) indicate insufficient synthesis of vitamin C

in dogs suffering from various diseases.

These studies indicate that vitamin C levels of less than 0.4 mg/dl in a dog's blood plas-

ma are evidence of insufficient synthesis. Supplementary administration of vitamin C is

also advisable after surgery because it promotes the formation of collagen by the fibro-

blasts, osteoblasts and osteocytes. Topical administration of vitamin C into the region of

bone fractures stimulates the healing process (*Pataky et al., 1963).

Parasitic infestation of the liver leads to a reduction in the synthesis of vitamin C which,

in mammals, takes place in this organ.

Many investigations have shown that in diseases of domestic animals displaying higher

than normal temperature and reduced food uptake, the concentration of vitamin C in

the blood plasma drops considerably for some time. In view of the great importance of

vitamin C for immune defense and for regeneration of tissue, administration of vitamin

C in daily dosages of 200 to 300mg for small animals and of 2 to 3g for large animals is

advisable.

Scury-like symptoms in dogs are likely to be due to congenital inability to synthesise vita-

min C. In such cases the concentration of vitamin C in the blood plasma is below

0.1mg/dl.

(Continued )

Results of recent trials show that Vitamin C influences bone development and strength

through its effects on the production of vitamin D metabolites and calcium-binding

protein.

Vitamin D3 supplied in a feed supplement is transported to the kidneys for conversion

to the active metabolite form. Latest studies show that vitamin C is required to achieve

optimum conversion of vitamin D3 into these active metabolites. Improvements in bone

synthesis appear to be directly related to an increase in the conversion of vitamin D3 to

the active metabolite and to the increase of calcium-binding protein through the influ-

ence of supplemented vitamin C in the diet.

At times of stress unfortunately absorption of vitamin C from the gut may not be fully ef-

fective, therefore daily supplementation is recommended.

In large breeds of dogs, hip dysplasia, long considered to be an inherited birth defect,

may be an easily controlled biochemical condition. The lesion in hip dysplasia appears

to merely poor quality, low strength collagen in the affected ligaments. In litters from

dysplastic German Shepherd parents or parents that produced dysplastic offspring,

there have been no signs of hip dysplasia when the bitches were given higher than nor-

mal doses of vitamin C during pregnancy and the pups were given daily doses of vitamin

C until they reached young adulthood.

In potentially dysplastic pups of large breeds, the first year or two of life is a high stress

period. The demands on the body are great, the demands for large quantities of vitamin

C even greater. The laxity of the hip ligament and changes in the pectineus muscle and

tendon, consequent upon lack of high quality collagen is evident. The weak collagen in

the ligaments causes them to stretch or loosen, resulting in joint laxity, which allows the

young femoral head to separate from the hip socket.

After separation of the femoral head from the acetabulum, an inflammatory process

(arthritis) ensues. Varying amounts of scar tissue form in the acetabulum, preventing

the head of the femur from returning to its normal position. This results in coxofemoral

subluxation (hip dysplasia). Simultaneously, the poor quality of collagen in the pec-

tineous muscles and ligaments retards their growth and development. The impaired

growth and development of tendon and muscle, together with the rapid growth of the

femur, contributes further to the cause of the dislocation.

In trials conducted over a five-year period using eight litters of German Shepherd pup-

pies from dysplastic parents, or parents known to have produced dysplastic offspring,

none of these pups which have been maintained on high doses of vitamin C have, to

date, shown dysplasia. The regime consists of giving the pregnant bitch high doses of

vitamin C in the ration daily. At birth, the pups are given 50 to 200mg of vitamin C orally.

When the pups reach three weeks of age, the daily amount increased to 500mg until

the pups are four months old. At that time, the dosage is increased to 1 or 2g daily and

maintained at that level until the pups were 18 months to two years of age.

This program was so successful that, when selling puppies, breeders in America involved now incorporate into their sales agreements a clause stating that the pups are

guaranteed dysplasia free only if they are kept on the prescribed regime of vitamin C.

The skin and the coat fulfill many functions:

Physiological functions such as protection, storage, excretion and the sensory function.

Social functions which partly control their relationships with other dogs (identification,

territorial demarcation, sexual behavior).

Finally, in view of the current role of the dog (and of pet animals in general), functions

related to acceptance in human society.

These aesthetic functions are probably of the greatest concern to most dog owners.

Skin disorders are particularly frequent in the dog and may be due to a wide variety of

causes.

For example:

Infectious dermatitis;

Allergic or contact dermatitis; Alopecias of hormonal origin, other skin changes, thyroid deficiency; Ectoparasites and

their direct or secondary consequences (demodectic mange); Disorders of dietary or nutritional origin; for example, liver and kidney disorders or over-

loads, or deficiency conditions. Despite this list the relationships between diet and the condition of the skin and coat

are often considered self-evident, not only by breeders and owners, but also by veteri-

narians. The skin and the coat may show primary lesions caused directly by specific nu-

tritional deficiencies or excesses, but similar effects may appear as secondary symp-

toms of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, the liver or the kidneys.

Vitamin C has a direct influence on the lustre of the coat through its influence on the ef-

ficient metabolism of other key micronutrients like amino acids, B complex and vitamin

E.

Where diets are deficient in vitamin C metabolism of sulphur-containing amino acids will

be impaired. As the coat in mainly made up of these amino acids the coat can never

reach its full potential. A reduction in fur growth, possible irregularity in growth pattern,

reduction in pigmentation and the activity of the hair follicles and potential loss of fur.

The amino acid lysine is a vital component in the metabolism of muscle tissue-this ami-

no acid is also dependent on vitamin C. (Continued )

Vitamin C appears to be involved with the absorption of iron from the gut. It is also re-

quired for the synthesis of hemoglobin and is necessary for the development collagen in

skin. Vitamin C plays an important role in the healing process of wounds.

Summary Under conditions of acute stress, animal can not synthesise sufficient vitamin C to alle-

viate many detrimental effects associated with stress. Due to the vital link of vitamin C

and bone metabolism and the development of collagen in teeth, bone, skin cartilage

and amino acids and the improvement in the immune system response to disease chal-

lenge. Supplementation of vitamin C should become part of standard management pro-

cedure and increased particularly when known stressors are to be imposed.

References *

Animal Nutrition (McDonal, Edwards, and Greenhalgh) Vitamins in Animal Nutrition (arbeitgemeinschaft Wirkstoffe Tierernahrunge (AWT)

(Wegger et al.) 1984; (Selye) 1936, 1973; (Pataky et al.) 1963; (Pardue) 1983;

(Leveque) 1969.

The above article was taken from the The Service Dog magazine published by the British

Police and Services Canine Association.

Copyright 2006 U.S.P.C.A.

Training and socialization doesn’t stop with puppyhood it’s something your dog needs throughout

his life to keep his mind sharp and his body in good physical condition. Now that your puppy has

graduated from his first obedience class or your dog has earned his Canine Good Citizen®

certificate, what’s next? One of the best ways to keep you dog engaged mentally and physically

for the rest of his life is getting started in AKC events. Did you know that training your dog for

competition actually deepens the canine-human bond you share? Plus it’s fun to meet lots of

dog owners who love the same activities as you and your dog.

How Do I Get Started in AKC Dog Shows, Trials and Tests? The best way to start is to join a local dog-training club. You can search www.akc.org for a

complete list of clubs across the country. Local clubs frequently offer training classes for all different

types of competition. Even if competition is not your ultimate goal, the relationship that training

forms between you and your dog will be very rewarding. Local clubs also have “fun matches,”

where you and your dog can test your skills in the ring. Training and handling your dog in any

AKC Event is an exceptional and enjoyable experience. From your first attempted show, test or

trial to earning your first AKC title, you and your dog will develop a bond. Training classes offer

the best hands-on way to practice for the ring or field, and watching competitors at actual events

will gain you expertise. These events bring many hours of fun for you and your dog. You will

make lots of friends in the sport, and you and your dog will take pleasure in your new hobby for

many years to come.

OBEDIENCE, RALLY, AGILITY TRIALS OR THECOURSING ABILITY TEST All dogs are eligible to compete in Obedience, Rally, or Agility trials or the Coursing Ability Test.

Your dog must have an AKC number via one of the following:

• AKC Registration as one of the175 recognized breeds.

• AKC Canine Partners program enrollment. A program for mixed-breed dogs and dogs

ineligible for AKC registration.

• Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program. A program for purebred dogs that cannot be

fully registered with the AKC to participate in AKC events.

• Foundation Stock Service® (FSS). Recorded breeds on the road to full AKC recognition.

Getting Started in Obedience: Obedience trials showcase dogs that have been trained and

conditioned to behave well in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs.

AKC Obedience trials allow exhibitors and their dogs to enjoy companionship and competition

as they proudly earn AKC titles.

Dog and handler teams are judged on how closely they match the judge's mental picture of a

theoretically perfect performance as they execute a series of specified exercises. Accuracy and

precision are essential, but the natural movement of the handler and the willingness and enjoyment of the

dog are very important. Each level of obedience competition — novice, open, and utility —

requires mastering a specific skill set, which increase in difficulty, before advancing to the next level.

Most AKC clubs conduct a variety of classes instructed by trainers who have won awards in

obedience competition with their own dogs, and they make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest

training techniques. They have experience training all breeds of dogs and can help solve behavior

problems. Most clubs accept all types of dogs, mixed breeds and purebreds, and prospective

students are usually welcome to observe a class before signing up for a training course.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OBEDIENCE HERE

Getting Started in AKC Rally®:AKC Rally® is a companion sport to AKC Obedience. Both require

teamwork between dog and handler along with similar performance skills. Rally provides an

excellent introduction to AKC Events for new dogs and handlers and can provide a challenging

opportunity for competitors in other events to strengthen their skills. The dog and handler team

move at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. Rally was designed with the traditional

pet owner in mind, but it can still be very challenging for those who enjoy higher levels of competition.

A rally course includes 10 to 20 stations, depending on the level. Scoring is not as rigorous as

traditional obedience. Communication from the handler to the dog is encouraged and there

should be a sense of teamwork and enthusiasm as they go through the course.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RALLY

Getting Started in Agility: Running a dog in an agility trial is the ultimate game for you and your

dog. In an agility trial, a dog demonstrates its agile nature and versatility by following cues from

the handler through a timed obstacle course of jumps, tunnels, weave poles and other objects.

It’s an activity that strengthens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun and exercise

for both, which might explain why it’s so enjoyable to watch and has become the fastest-growing

dog sport in the United States!

There are several types of classes offered at an agility trial: Standard, Jumpers with Weaves,

Fifteen And Send Time (FAST) and Preferred. The Standard class has contact obstacles, which

have yellow “contact zones” at each end. Contact obstacles include A-frame, dog walk and

seesaw. The dog must place a least

one paw in the contact zone in order not to receive a fault. This encourages safety in training

and in running the course. The Standard class also has a variety of jumps; weave poles, pause

table, tunnels and a closed tunnel. The Jumpers with Weaves class does not have contact

obstacles or a pause table to slow the team’s forward momentum. This is a very fast course

requiring instant decisions by the handler and close attention from the dog.

Agility is a time and fault sport where the qualifying requirements are more challenging as the

competition class levels get higher. There are two types of faults: time and penalty. Time faults

are given for every second a dog goes over the Standard Course Time as set by the length of

the course.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AGILITY

Getting Started in the Coursing Ability Test: The Coursing Ability Test (CAT) is an introductory

event fashioned after the sport lure coursing. It will provide a fun and healthy activity attractive to

many dog owners. The test is a non-competitive pass / fail event with dogs run singularly. The

(CAT) is for any dog of any breed, including mixed-breeds, as long as it is at least 1 year old and

individually registered or listed with AKC.

To pass the test, a dog running alone must pursue a lure, completing the course with enthusiasm

and without interruption within a given time. Most dogs will chase a lure and have fun in the

process. Dogs that pass the CAT three times will earn a Coursing Ability (CA) title. Ten passes

and a dog earns a Coursing Ability Advanced (CAA) title, and 25 passes results in a Coursing

Ability Excellent (CAX) title.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAT

DOG SHOWSPurebred dogs are eligible to compete in Conformation Dog Shows. Your dog must have an

AKC number via one of the following:

• AKC Registration as one of the 175 recognized breeds.

• Foundation Stock Service® (FSS). Recorded breeds on the road to full AKC recognition.

Getting Started in Conformation: Dog shows (conformation events) are intended to evaluate

breeding stock. The size of these events ranges from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000

dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows, featuring a specific breed. The dog's conformation

(overall appearance and structure), an indication of the dog's ability to produce quality purebred

puppies, is judged, thus spayed or neutered dogs or mixed-breeds are not eligible to compete.

Many times a new exhibitor will get their start at dog shows by finding a mentor, usually the

breeder they acquired the puppy from. Many AKC clubs also offer “handling” classes to teach

owners how to present their purebred dog to a judge at a dog show. Dogs must be at least 6

months old to enter a dog show.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DOG SHOWS

TRACKING, EARTHDOG, LURE COURSING, HERDING,FIELD TRIALS, HUNT TESTS, COONHOUNDS andOTHER BREED-SPECIFIC EVENTSPurebred dogs are eligible to compete in Field Trials and Tests. Your dog must have an AKC

number via one of the following:

• AKC Registration as one of the174 recognized breeds.

• Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program. A program for purebred dogs that cannot be

fully registered with the AKC to participate in AKC events.

• Foundation Stock Service® (FSS). Recorded breeds on the road to full AKC recognition.

Getting Started in Tracking: Dogs have a very keen sense of smell – 100,000 times stronger

than humans! Dogs with the help of their noses are often used to find lost people and animals,

drugs, avalanche and disaster victims, and even to detect cancer! AKC Tracking is a canine

sport that demonstrates a dog’s natural ability to recognize and follow a scent and is the foundation

of canine search and rescue work. Unlike obedience and rally trials, where dogs respond to the

handler’s commands, in tracking the dog is completely in charge, for only he knows how to use

his nose to find and follow the track. For many, the greatest pleasure of tracking is the hours

spent outside training and interacting with their dogs. The tracking community is known for its

camaraderie and they all share in the excitement of a “pass” and the disappointment of a “fail.”

Getting started in tracking is easy and you won’t find a more willing participant than your dog! A

puppy instinctively uses his nose – training your dog to track simply hones his natural ability.

And since all dogs have a natural ability to follow a scent, any breed is capable of learning to

track. Your first step is finding a tracking class or an instructor who is experienced in the sport.

You just need a harness, a 20- to 40-foot lead, a few flags to mark your track, and an open

grassy area free of obstacles such as roads, ditches or woods. Before you enter a Tracking Dog

Test (TD), you must have the dog certified by an AKC-approved or provisional judge. This certification

form must accompany the entry form. Once you and your dog are ready, find a tracking event in

your area by going to the AKC Events Calendar on the AKC website.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TRACKING

Getting Started in Earthdog: The purpose of non-competitive Earthdog tests is to offer

breeders and owners of small Terriers and Dachshunds a standardized gauge to measure their

dogs' natural aptitude and trained hunting and working behaviors when exposed to an underground

hunting situation. The noncompetitive program begins with a basic introduction to den work and

quarry and progresses through gradual steps to require the dog to demonstrate that it is willing

to perform the required tasks including seeking its quarry, locating and working it underground.

The initial test is called Introduction to Quarry and it is an instinct test for terriers and dachshunds.The behaviors tested are willingness to follow a scent to the entrance; willingness to enter a

dark den; and willingness to work the quarry. The dog may work the caged rats by barking,

digging, growling, lunging, biting at the protective bars or any work that the judge feels displays

a desire to get to the quarry.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EARTHDOG

Getting Started in Lure Coursing: Lure coursing is an event for all Sighthounds. Afghan Hounds,

Basenjis, Borzois, Greyhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Italian Greyhounds, Pharaoh

Hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, and Whippets are eligible.

The AKC offers this program that the dogs and owners love so well, to test the dogs basic

coursing instinct or hunting by sight ability. The dogs chase an artificial lure, in an open field and

are judged by two judges, on the dogs overall ability, speed, endurance, agility, and how well

they follow the lure.

The dogs can earn titles, such as Junior Courser (JC), Senior Courser (SC), and Master

Courser (MC). They can also obtain a Field Championship (FC) and the title of Lure Courser

Excellent (LCX). The upside of this event is the dogs are kept in such good healthy shape, by

doing something that comes naturally and that they really like to do.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LURE COURSING

Getting Started in Herding: The purpose of non-competitive herding tests is to offer herding

breed owners a standardized gauge by which a dog's basic instinct and trainability are measured.

The purpose of the competitive herding trial program is to preserve and develop the herding

skills inherent in the herding breeds and to demonstrate that they can perform the useful functions

for which they were originally bred. Although herding trials are artificial simulations of pastoral or

farm situations, they are standardized tests to measure and develop the characteristics of the

herding breeds.

Dogs must have training and prior exposure to livestock before being entered in tests or trials.

Both parent and local clubs should provide opportunities for such training and exposure. The

initial test is called Instinct Test and it is a test for herding breeds. The dog needs no trainingbefore entering this class and may be handled by the judge, owner or a designated handler.

The judge is looking for the dogs ability to move and control livestock by fetching or driving.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HERDING

Getting Started in Field Trials and Hunt Tests for Pointing Breeds, Spaniels, Retrievers,

Hounds: The best way to get involved in any of the breed specific field trials or hunt or instinct

tests is to find a local club and start training your dog.

FIND A LIST OF ALL AKC CLUBS

LEARN MORE ABOUT FIELD TRIALS AND HUNT TESTS

Getting Started in Coonhound Events: Bench shows, field trials, nite hunts and water races

are competitive events that provide owners with the opportunity to demonstrate the beauty and

natural abilities of purebred Coonhounds. At the same time, deserving dogs achieve AKC recog-

nition by acquiring championship titles on three different levels in each activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COONHOUNDS