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2001 Newsletter

INSIDE THIS EDITION

While it is true that there are other breeds that may be more suited to obedience, tracking, agility etc., no other breed can "do it all" like a GSD. Why not make your New Year's Resolution to explore the possibilities and broaden your horizons? Here is a Web Address that you'll probably want to bookmark…
http://workingdogs.com
Go to the "links" button and have fun. North Texas is a great place for training and with some www inspiration you should easily find something you'd like to try fairly close to home. If you're not computer literate, try the library. Most libraries have access to computers and if the librarians are busy, just look for any high school student and give them your most pitiful look. Totally computerphobic? Even the Sherman library has a large section of canine related books and most libraries will also have training videos for you to check out and view at your leisure.

Before you get too excited, remember that basic obedience is a necessity to most of the other canine sports. You'll enjoy your dog and these other activites much more with some basic control. Obedience classes don't have to cost a fortune and are readily accessible to most of us. Go with group classes, this way your dog is learning obedience and being socialized at the same time. The other advantage to a group calss is that your dog is being obedient with lots of disctractions from other animals and people, this will hold you in much better standing for most of the canine sports out there. You can find group classes at most pet stores (eg Petsmart) or call the SPCA for their K9 University obedience schedules and locations.

"Rome wasn't built in a day!" Be patient, and remember that when you are having problems and your dog is "just not getting it", 99% of the time…IT'S YOUR FAULT!!! Take a step back, a deep breath, smile and start again.

By the way, I too have a New Years Eve Resolution and that is to get the next newsletter out on time.

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TRAVELING TIPS
Don't ask me why, but more and more hotels and motels are placing a weight restriction on our fine, furry traveling companions. In part though, we only have ourselves to blame. Have you ever stayed somewhere and watched people allow their animals to poop, then not scoop. Their dogs bark the place down the second they leave the room, do you know who I mean?! I still don't understand why 20 lbs is the magic limit though. Maybe poodles don't poop, or terriers don't bark. All I know is that even when blow-dried on warm, my GSD's won't pass for fifty pound pets let alone twenty.

They do have books out now and web sites on pet friendly hotels and motels. Don't make the same mistake that I did when Becky and I drove up to Tulsa for a Temperament Test with two of our dogs. I took my trusty "Pets are Permitted" Book printed four or five years earlier. After taking a lovely Native American tour we discovered that the Holiday Inn was no longer the Holiday Inn and that our next option was miles away. It pays to be prepared and I'll admit that I'll win no badges for my oversight. Always call ahead, if your dog has obedience, mention it (but only if it's true) and get the name of the person accepting your reservation.

Texas is a quarantine state and you should always have a copy of your dog's rabies certificate in the car with you. Make copies and keep them with your insurance card. Better still make a little photo album (the flexible type that you get free with developing) travel book. Keep copies of registries, rabies, vaccinations, microchip info., shrink them down if you like as long as you can read them clearly. Also keep several photos of your dogs from various angles in there. If your dog where to get lost while you are away from home you would have enough information to make up fliers and don't forget the veterinarian information as well.
Here is a useful website for you to check out, or check your library, just watch for that print date and remember that older books make have lots of out of date info…so call ahead.

http://www.tips4trips.com/Tips/pettips.htm

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1998 & 1999 STATISTICS

In the past two years, North Texas German Shepherd Rescue has assisted in the successful placement of 250 GSD's. While this may sound impressive it is merely the tip of the iceberg. Many GSD's come to our attention each year that we are unable to help because of finances and lack of foster homes. We are frugal with our funds, electing to help as many dogs as we can with the resources that we have and having to avoid those with such costly conditions or needs that our funds would be exhausted. We are proud of the fact that we have never demanded high fees for our rescued pals and hope that we can continue to operate on this basis. If you feel that you can spare a donation we would appreciate it! You can send them to:

North Texas German Shepherd Rescue
9095 Hwy 199 West,
Poolville, TX, 76487.

Fostering is not for everyone, but maybe it's for you. You need patience, a spare and secure crate, a fenced yard, and love. If you have other pets, make sure they are dog friendly, or have a workable plan to keep them separated. We discourage those of you with young children from fostering as many of our foster are unknown entities evaluated during their foster stay. If you are interested, you can write to Wendy Wilson at the address above, or Email us at the addresses shown on the front of this newsletter.

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UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS AND RESCUE PARADES

You can also help support us by volunteering with your rescue dog or just yourself at the many rescue parades here in north Texas. We also have fundraisers such as the Canine Good Citizen tests that anyone with a rescued GSD or other breed (or mixed) can take part in or volunteer at. For info on the rescue parades or CGC tests, write or Email us and we'll be happy to give you more details. Details on the requirements for the Canine Good Citizen Test are available on the internet at:-

http://www.akc.org/love/cgc/index.cfm

For those of you without internet access here is a brief run down of the ten exercises.

Test 1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger
Test 2. Sitting Politely for Petting
Test 3. Appearance and Grooming
Test 4. Out for a Walk (walk on a loose leash)
Test 5. Walking Through a Crowd
Test 6. Sit and Down on Command/Staying in Place
Test 7. Coming When Called
Test 8. Reaction to Another Dog
Test 9. Reactions to Distractions
Test 10. Supervised Separation

It's a fun day out for you and your dog, and it's a nationally recognized award that you get from the AKC even if you don't have AKC papers on your pooch.

Anyone with a rescued GSD will receive a discount when taking the test. So come on out to our upcoming events- we'd love to see you and your babies! Our next test will be held????

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North Texas German Shepherd Rescue, Inc.
9095 Hwy 199 West,
Poolville, TX, 76487