Happy New Year!

midmassnewfers 1st annual Christmas Party

Thank you Suzanne and Donny for hosting our very first Christmas party! A wonderful time was had by all. The Yankee Swap was really fun! How many people can say they got a painted pooper scooper for Christmas! Functional AND artistic! The food and friends will be remembered for a long time! Click the title of the post for the rest of the photos!

Ex-Newfer Keeps up Fine Tradition

Merry Christmas Newfers!


It's our first Christmas apart from the MMN'ers and I confess we miss you all. But, in the spirit of Christmas tree pulls (or hauls), we did get out today for a walk with the cart, cut a small cedar from the edge of our pasture, and brought it back home. Sophie's doing the hauling, Hannah and Livvy are sauntering with a wistful look at the lake.

Andy, I took off the side rails of the cart you made for us, and it worked great!. We hope you all have a great holiday season and a happy new year. Not too early to begin to think about Resolutions, is it?

Bob, Cheryl, Livvy, Hannah, and Sophie Rose.

Draft Test - Northland Newfoundland Club 2009

I've posted photos of the October Draft test - courtesy of the Northland Newfoundland Club. Just click on the title to this post. There are lots of them, so I recommend viewing them in slide show mode. Despite the fact that I look panicked in more than a few photos, Sammy did get his draft title in the end!

Well Done at the Providence Show!

Abby, Ellie, Maya and Drover were shown in conformation at the Providence show during Dec. 3-6. They did well! On Thursday Maya was Winners Bitch (1 point) and Best of Opposite and Abby was Reserve Winners Bitch. On Friday Abby went to Winners Bitch (1 point) and Best of Opposite and Maya was Reserve Winners Bitch. On Saturday Abby again went to Winners Bitch, but this time it was for a 3 point major !!! Ellie took 1st in her class of 9-12 months Puppy Bitches and Drover was 2nd in 9-12 months Puppy Dogs. Ellie showed well her first time in the show ring. On Sunday none of our dogs placed although, overall, our dogs did very well and we had a blast cheering each other on. We are proud of our dogs and I'm sure we'll have more Champions from our group in 2010 !

-Kiko

Tree Pull at Smolak Farms!

MMN participated in the Second Annual Christmas Tree Pull on Saturday, December 5. The dogs and handlers worked hard (and played hard!) and helped raise money for two great causes - Lazarus House and Newfie Rescue! View the photos by clicking on the title to this post (especially the cute one with the stow away!)

MidMass Newfers at the Putnam Parade!

The small town of Putnam, CT was overrun with Newfies on Sunday, November 29 for their annual parade. The unofficial count was 23 in all! We had blacks, browns, landseers (white and black) and one gray! There was even a young black and white cow masquerading as a landseer! Our dogs pulled carts decorated and lighted for the occasion. Our artistic skills were displayed in winter scenes of snowmen, reindeer, penguins, Charlie Brown, candy canes, and one fantastic sleigh! All of it was topped off with lots and lots of lights and bells! The spectators were wonderful as usual and the dogs got cheers and some petting along the way. I'll bet every one of them slept great that night. You can view photos of the event by clicking on the title of this post.

New Titles for Newfs!

Horray for our new titles at the Bull Mastiff obedience and rally trials October 31 and November 1!

Molly and Nellie, new CD!

Mary Alice and Fiona, new CD!

Barbara and Ozzie, new RN!

Kathy and Sammy, new RN!

Nice job MidMass Newfers!

Vision & Activities

MidMassNewfers: Vision & Activities

General Information

We are a group of friends who meet regularly with our dogs to train in draft work, water rescue, obedience, and other performance activities.

• Although many of us do train for titles, others have no wish to gain titles but, instead, participate for friendship and socialization. We find that – title or not - our dogs’ are more satisfied and enriched when they have something to do.

• Our training sessions last about four to five hours each and a ‘rough’ schedule is sent out to members at the start of each ‘season’;

• Individual training activity for a single dog can often require multiple people and, thus, all participants are encouraged to stay for the full session in order to help others.

• Our dogs often have free play before and after training. If your dog is not comfortable with other dogs, please be sure to take measures to keep your dog and the other dogs safe. We’ve never had a dog fight yet and want to keep it that way. (Please also note that we can often do some socializing exercises to improve a dog’s ability to interact in a group. Let us know if you’d be interested!)

• We like to leave our training area so clean that no one will ever know that we were present. Everyone should pick up after themselves and their dog and, at the end of a session, help the group clean up. And don’t forget, bring lots of plastic baggies for doggie ‘do-do’.

• People should recognize that each dog is different and may require different methods of training.

· Members usually assist each other by problem solving and suggesting varied approaches for each dog.

· Some dogs will require quiet when (s)he is training and, therefore, participants may be asked to remain quiet while a dog trains; please don’t take offense. Similarly, handlers should feel free to ask participants to remain quiet or do whatever is needed for that particular dog’s training comfort.

Draft Training:

• Experienced owners mentor new Newfs and their owners and problem solve with each other to get the dog used to a harness and hitch, maneuverability and the obedience (needed to pass the draft test).

• Dogs who participate will eventually need their own cart and harness.

Water Rescue Training

• Water sessions are water training and not water play. That’s not to say that we don’t have fun – because we do. But the emphasis is on helping the dogs learn the exercises needed for their test.

• People should bring the equipment that they will need for their exercises. (This can include floating bumpers and life vests for retrieving, etc.in water rescue; check water rescue rules at http://www.ncanewfs.org/working/water/ )

• We usually have only one dog in the water at a time. As a result, there is down time for everyone which some will find tedious and boring. This can be alleviated by helping with other dogs.

• We do implement efficiencies to minimize down time.
• When people arrive, they should sign in on the white board for both their dog’s training time slot, and at least one time slot in which to steward. (If you’ve never stewarded before, we’ll let you know what to do; it’s actually rather fun.)

• If beach allows, we may break into a second group (i.e., ‘land’ or a novice water ‘fun’ group); please don’t be offended if this happens, we were all beginners once and even the experienced handlers often bring beginner dogs.

• If the group is very large at a particular session, dogs entered into an upcoming test may get preference for serious training

• Everyone should try ‘stewarding’ for at least one other dog. In order to do that, people should have some way to insure that, while stewarding, their dog will be safe, secure and not intruding on the training of other dogs. This can be accomplished by putting your dog back in your car, having someone else hold the dog’s leash, having a crate, etc.

• All adults who attend water training should wear a personal flotation device and protective footwear while working with a dog on a water exercise. Even if they are on land handling the dog, they may need to enter the water quickly to help their dog succeed in the training exercise or to help the dog or another person in the event there is a safety issue.

• All children under the age of 18 who attend water training must wear a personal flotation device throughout the training session whether in the water or on the beach.

• MidMassNewfers does not hold insurance and everyone who attends practice sessions must recognize that water activities are inherently dangerous and that MidMassNewfers is not liable for any accidents, injuries or damage to property. Train at your own risk.

What Kind of Newfies Have 3 Legs?

PROUD Newfies

Tom Wisdom and Mollie's Nellie

Tom Wisdom's site leads off with Nellie's picture. Watch out black Lab, Newfs will be #1 next year on the most popular list.

Light Keepers Interview with Molly

Move over Rin Tin Tin and Lassie, here comes the Molly, the NEWF

Click here for interview from Cape Cod On Line. Molly's interview is at the end -- we always save the best for last.

Nellie and the Light Keepers

For those of you who know Mollie's sweetheart, Nellie, you will be interested to know that she's shooting a movie. Not one of those little 30 second things that Bob put together with his point and click, no. A REAL Movie.


The Light Keepers Movie

Internet Movie Database

New AKC Titling Options

AKC has announced some new Obedience Titles for 2009. They are described in the document located at:

http://www.akc.org/pdfs/events/obedience/OACv2.pdf

For example, the Graduate Novice (Page 11) is comprised of the following exercises.

1. Heel on Leash & Figure Eight
2. Drop on Recall
3. Dumbbell Recall
4. Recall Over High Jump
5. Recall Over Broad Jump
6. Long Down

NCA Spring Draft Test April 2009

Many thanks to Molly, Pam, Cheryl, and Ruby for sharing their draft test photos.

Hall of Fame?

Don't forget to WABR your dogs.

Funny dog picture?

Need any help? I'm your guy,
Bob.

Draft Equipment Fit Checklist

Courtesy of Sue Marino

Use this list with the accompanying diagram to check the fit of your own equipment.

(1) Check the fit of the neck piece. The “X” lies flat over the top of the shoulder blades when

(2) the “Y” is over the point of the breast bone.

(3) The bellyband/girth strap should be snug. You should only be able to fit two fingers under it. It should be underneath all other straps to avoid chafing and for an unobstructed pull. It should be straight up and down at a 90 degree angle to the shafts.

(4) Brake loops (on the girth strap) should be adjusted so that the loop is just large enough for the shaft to slide into it. The height of the brake loop should be adjusted so that when the shaft is inserted the shaft is level with the point of the dogs shoulder and parallel to the ground.

(5) The rear bellyband should be adjusted looser than the front bellyband. You should be able to fit a hand under the strap. On male dogs be sure that this strap fits in front of their genitals and not over them. This piece is optional.

(6) The side pieces of the harness should be over all other straps. They should lay flat against the dogs side when pulling. There should be no slack.

(7) The traces should be adjusted so that they are taut when the front of the shaft is even with the front of the dogs chest, the girth strap is straight up and down and the brake is directly behind the brake loop. They should not be twisted.

(8) The height of the shafts should be even with the point of the shoulder and the front of the shaft should be even with the front of the chest.

(9) Brakes should be snug behind the brake loop when the girth strap is straight up and down. There should be no space between the brake and brake loop.

(10) Shafts should be parallel to the ground and not slope up or down.

(11) There should be enough space between the dog and the cart so that when the dog's hind legs extend they do not hit the cart nor does the cart hit the dog when the cart comes slightly forward when going downhill.

ADJUSTMENTS

If your equipment is not fitting properly according to the checklist here are some suggestions for correcting the problems.

Shafts too long or too short:

If the shafts are adjustable on your cart you may be able to slide the shaft in either direction under the cart to make it longer or shorter. You may also be able to twist your shafts in or out to lessen or widen the space between the shafts. If not you should move your dog forward or back in the shafts by loosening or tightening the traces and moving the brake forward or back on the shaft.

Shafts not parallel to the ground:

Check to see if moving your brake loops up or down on the girth straps changes the angle of your shafts. If your shafts are adjustable you may be able to move them to correct this problem. You may have to remove your shafts to attach them to your cart at a higher or lower position or you could use shorter or taller tires on your cart to raise or lower your shafts.

Traces are loose or slack while dog is pulling:

This means that the dog is not pulling with the traces. Usually they are pulling with the brake loops which are snug enough around the shaft to pull the cart forward. It is a very uncomfortable and inefficient way for the dog to pull.

Dogs hind legs hitting the cart:

The dog should be moved forward in the shafts, the brake moved forward and the traces loosened. If this causes the front of the shaft to be behind the front of the dogs chest then the shafts are not long enough for this dog to use this cart.

Shafts tipping up or heavy on the shoulders as dog pulls:

This is an indication that the cart is not balanced. Sometimes even an empty cart can be unbalanced. If this is the case the cart should always have a small (5 to 8 lb) weight in it. If the shafts tip up the weight should be in the front of the cart. If the shafts are pressing down so that the harness is being pulled tightly against the dogs shoulders then the weight should be in the back of the cart.

Brake loops swinging up, backwards or forward:

If this happens the brake loops are too long. There should be no play in this area. The loops should hold the shafts steady and not be sliding around. The should be just long enough to snuggly fit over the end of the shaft.

Obedience Anyone?

I was just recording the details of my dog’s trials this past week into our little record book and I noticed the following link listed on the instructions:

http://www.dogantics.com/welshiepup/obedience.shtml

It’s a very nice little description of first and second attempts by Hoover and his Mom. Nice pictures and very accessible.

All work and no play makes ... all work?

A fun day at Waggin Tails Dog Training Center



Double click on the little picture to see it enlarged.

Video of Dog Dreaming

This just sent to me from an old friend who has an Akita (but I like the guy anyway).

So you think your dog has vivid dreams...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2BgjH_CtIA

N-Joy -  John

( YouTube - Bizkit the Sleep Walking Dog)

It's snowing outside, but Emily Dickinson had it right

We like March.

His Shoes are Purple--

He is new and high--

Makes he Mud for Dog and Peddler,

Makes he Forests dry.

Call for Shy Dog Stories

Dear Readers,

I’m hoping you can help me out. I’ve recently been reminded about how a shy dog, in particular, can benefit from organized training (obedience, Rally, water, Draft, whatever). I know it’s true and I have some first-hand experience. The paper I would like to write, however, needs to have more case studies.

Co-authorship welcome but anonymity can be honored. Your choice.

Please reply to Bob@StoneRidgeFarm.org

And thank you.

Q&A: Responding to Daily Digest emails

Question: I’m on the daily digest mailing from MMN because it keeps my mailbox tidy. But I find I can’t just hit “reply” because the digest comes from an email starting with “no reply”. What’s up with that?

Answer: The digest isn’t really a “member” in the Newfers mailing list. It has no way to handle incoming mail. However, up near the top of the digest content, most of us will see a link named “Reply to group”. Clicking that will open your email software with MidMassNewfers@yahoogroups.com as the “To”. That’s a great feature.

Now the reason I say “most” is because, just like buying a car, “your mileage may vary”. I happen to use Outlook and Thunderbird but there are many other perfectly good email software packages. Sadly, they don’t all work exactly the same way. If you are having a specific problem, please mail the group because others may have the same problem, and we’ll try to figure it out.

Question: What are the two best Training Opportunities of The Day

I didn’t originate this idea, but saw it working today and thought I’d mention it.

Question: What are the two absolute BEST training opportunities of the day?

Answer: Breakfast and Dinner

Now I understand that you can quibble with that answer, there are other great opportunities like sitting at my feet while I watch Animal Planet and eat popcorn, or when I first come home, but let’s not quibble.

I took Sophie to Waggin Tails this afternoon, for her first introduction to obedience (we had done some Rally, so she wasn’t completely green). While I was delighted with her performance, I had to constantly remind her that “Halt means sit”.

As I walked her to her dinner spot, I asked her to heel, which she did just fine, and then “halt”. Without my reminder, it included a sit. And what a sit. It was straight, it was on cue, and it was snappy.

So I was reminded of the countless opportunities in everyday life around the home. Carpe diem.

Video: Newfoundland Breed Judging at 2009 Westminster

http://video.westminsterkennelclub.org/player/?id=1008401

Please note that a 30-second commercial precedes the actual show video.

We bronze-lovers will be entertained when we notice that the camera pauses on the bronze Newfie and zooms in to be sure it’s obvious that this one “ain’t black”. And, even at Westminster, one of the dogs just refuses to break into a trot, so take heart those of you who have had a disappointing run at some point in your history with your dog. It can happen to anyone.

The musical background is repetitious, you may be tempted to turn that off after the lead-in narrative.

The entire video is 10 minutes in length.

Enjoy