the stafford knot - winter 2013, issue 1, vol 4
DESCRIPTION
The Stafford Knot, Inc. is an independent publication and not affiliated with any specific breed club. TSK is a collaborative effort from like minded Stafford enthusiasts whose common goal is to support the health testing of purebred Staffords. We reserve the right to approve or disapprove any material submitted. All material on this site is copyright protected & cannot be used unless indicated without the written consent of The Stafford Knot, Inc. Thank youTRANSCRIPT
Knot ,INC.
THE STAFFORD KNOT PROMOTES HEALTH TESTED STAFFORDS WHILE BENEFITING STAFFORD RESCUES WORLDWIDE
THE STAFFORD
WINTER 2013 P R O M O T I N G T H E S T A F F O R D S H I R E B U L L T E R R I E R ISSUE 1, VOL 4 FREE
TABLE OF CONTENTS - PAGE 2
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
.............................................................................................Advertising Rates & How To’s 3.........................................................................................................Who is on Our Cover? 4
.........................................................Illustrated Breed Standard & Judging Seminar Links 5..............................................................................................Volunteer Positions Available 7
.........................................................................................L2-HGA & HC Database Project 8The 5 Virtues - Lorelei Craig (Ciera) .................................................................................. 10Tan Point Markings - aka Black and Tan - Sian Hammond (Hammystaff)......................... 18Judging Abroad - Chris Jacksic (Jaxstock) ....................................................................... 23Re-programing the Second Hand Dog - Erika Phillips ..................................................... 24
................................................................................................Health Testing Information 26From Clueless to Champion ... Khakis to Tahari - Deb Roseman ..................................... 30
...........................................................................................................Letters to the Editor 36.............................................................................Brags, Shows, Litter Announcements 37
......................................................................................Rescue Organizations Worldwide 40................................................................................................Classified Advertisements 42
..................................................................................................................From the Editor 45.......................................................................................................................Back Issues 46
All historical and/or current photos and articles used in this publication were sent to us by our readers unless otherwise stated. In such instances all permissions were acquired prior to publication. We take no responsibility for use of images widely available on the internet or sent to us by owners or breeders of dogs mentioned in this publication. If you wish to have photo credit given it is the responsibility of the photographer to send to us in writing during the current issue publication your wish and we will do our best to accommodate with no guarantees.
The Stafford Knot, Inc. is an independent publication and not affiliated with any specific breed club. TSK is a collaborative effort from like minded Stafford enthusiasts whose common goal is to support the health testing of purebred Staffords.
We reserve the right to approve or disapprove any material submitted.All material on this site is copyright protected & cannot be used unless indicated without the written consent of
The Stafford Knot, Inc. Thank you. Contact UsTSK benefits Stafford rescue worldwide © 2009 - 2013 BrownDog Design
We welcome Fundraiser representatives and article contributions from interested parties. Please contact us if for more information how you can get involved.
Thank you also to our Rescue Coordinators WorldwideLynn Caswell - Sr. Editor , Creative DirectorChris Kerrigan - ColumnistErika Phillips - ColumnistLorelei Craig - ColumnistWorldwide Guest Authors/Historians - Article ContributionAdvertising Sales - Sales
Special thank you goes to those selfless people who assist with Stafford rescues on a regular basis. If you can help transport, foster, donate or adopt, there is sadly always a need! TSK is here to raise
funds to aid in these rescues. Please be a part of the solution!Look for us on FaceBook & Twitter
LIKE us on FB
Subscribe online for FREEwww.thestaffordknot.com
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Ad prices include design fee!
The Fine Print
Payment in full, all images, logos, health testing scans and text must be received by deadline or your ad will not run!
REMEMBER: The better your images the better your ad will be! YOU will be responsible for final proofing of your ad for any errors, misspellings, etc. We will email you a PROOF prior to uploading your ad to the current issue. PLEASE make all corrections AT THAT TIME or the ad will run AS IS!
No mid-issue changes
Please submit ads as 200 dpi jpg, 8.5” wide by 5.5” high for half page, 8.5” wide by 11” high for full page.
Remember small/thin type may be difficult to read when shrunk for online viewing. Use bold fonts & sharp images. Don't overcrowd with too much text or your ad may be difficult to read.
TSK is not responsible for view-ability of all ads designed out of house or once proof has been approved.
Please do not wait till the deadline to submit your ads! Get them in early or chance being left out. Deadline is always 2 weeks prior to publish date.
Rates may change at our discretion
Paypal transaction fees are included and are non-refundable. All refunds or cancellations are subject to approval. Design fees are included should you wish our staff to design your ad for you.
Gallery ad - per issue1/2 page - $45Full page or Cover - $95 (There may be a wait list for covers)Re-run ad - $15 per issueBrag Box - $15 per issueClassified - $15 per issue
Click Here for Advertising FORM Fill out form, pay and upload photos & health certificates all at once! All currencies accepted via Paypal. You do not need a Paypal account.Advertising Rates Effective thru Feb 15, 2013
Please support TSK and support stafford rescue!Send scans of health testing to [email protected]? Email us!
Back issues archived online and available as free downloads. Your ad will be available for view at any time once placed.
Feel good about advertising with TSK - proceeds benefit Staffordshire Bull Terrier rescues worldwide.
If you have a specific registered rescue you wish to support please indicate name and contact information with your ad submission.
ADVERTISING RATES & HOW TO’S
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‘Bonnie’ completed all of the following American Kennel Club titles in 2012:
CHAMPIONBEGINNER NOVICERALLY NOVICECOURSING ABILITY COURSING ABILITY ADVANCEDCANINE GOOD CITIZEN
The moment I stepped in the puppy pen and "Socks" came bounding over to me, I knew. She was the one I'd been dreaming about. I brought her home in August of 2010 and together "Bonnie" and I started our adventure.
In 2011, we dabbled in the conformation ring trying to learn the game together. As well we trained hard in Obedience and Rally and played around with Agility. We started competing in Rally during 2011 and gained two qualifying scores.
I really didn't know what 2012 had in store for us... but Bonnie does nothing half heartedly and she gave me her all in
everything I ever asked her to do. She completed six titles this year. Rally Novice, Beginner Novice, Canine Good Citizen, Coursing Ability, Coursing Ability Advanced, and Champion.
I find it hard to really pinpoint highlights of our competing year because every moment with my girl, whether a success or not, has been a moment of pride, joy and relationship building. But it is hard to deny that certain moments stand out in my head such as:
• winning her class the day she achieved her Beginner Novice title
• getting a Group 2 at Newton Kennel Club
• taking the majors at Westbury, Hatboro (Best of Winners), and Montgomery
• all conformation wins being with ME at the other end of the leash
Thank you to Lizz Kester and Dave Csernak of Elivid Staffords for trusting this amazing girl to me. We continue to train in various dog sports and we have big plans for the coming years!
Deb Roseman(Look for Deb’s article - page 30 this issue)
WHO IS ON OUR COVER?
CH Elivid's Shaken Not Stirred BN RN CAA CGC
Photo by Jamie Quinn
Photo by Rich Knecht
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CLICK HERE to read or download a version of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Seminar which was given at the AKC Advanced Terrier Institute in Orlando Florida on December 14,
Also - CLICK HERE to view a 30 minute video of this presentation on You Tube
CLICK HERE to read or download the TSK
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Illustrated Breed Standard
ILLUSTRATED BREED STANDARD & JUDGING SEMINAR
HUGE thank you goes to all who contribute to the Illustrated Breed Standard and Judge Seminar projects. We could not present here such a collection of information were it not for all the work done by so many people in this
breed and others. We cannot name all of you but many many thanks are indeed passed on to each of you. Thank you also to those who sent in images of dogs to be used. We consider the projects to be invaluable educational
tools. Take from them what you will with the understanding that we cannot all agree on all points but should continue to work together in efforts to protect this wonderful breed we all cherish. Updates will be uploaded as more info is sent in
to TSK. Please check back or email [email protected] for details or to contribute.
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ILLUSTRATED BREED STANDARD - **UPDATE**
From time to time TSK, Inc. receives requests for additional illustrations. This is one of the most popular requests. We are always happy to accommodate when we can get volunteers to assist in the illustrations. If you have a request, or if you are able to add to our growing catalog of illustrations - please - contact our team of volunteers and let us know how you can help. We are happy to share any image, however we do request that you give credit to The Stafford Knot, Inc with a link to our website or FB page - as our team works very hard to provide our readers with information about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
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Web - Seeking a Macintosh savvy web designer and SEO manager with knowledge of iWeb and RapidWeaver or Sandvox. If interested and available please send email to - [email protected]
Sales - we need people around the world to help us sell advertising. Ads are how we raise money to donate to Stafford rescues. If interested please send email to - [email protected]
Editing - if you are familiar with ‘Pages’ software and work on a Mac please send us an email to - [email protected]
Database - If you are interested in building a database of health tested Staffords and are able to volunteer please let us know - send email to [email protected] IN PROGRESS
Reporters - We are looking for show reporters from around the world to send us results from major shows. If you would like to volunteer for this new position please email - [email protected]
Writers - we are always looking for writers to send in articles for each issue. We look for original articles and stories as well as historical ones. All permissions must be granted prior to publishing. Please email - [email protected] if your are interested and available.
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS AVAILABLE
www.ca fepress .com/thankdog
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L2-HGA & HC Database ProjectHow you can help our breed
The Stafford Knot only accepts ads from owners and breeders of dogs who have been health tested. The minimum requirements are L2-HGA & HC testing. We provide information on where to go to have these simple and inexpensive tests performed.
Documentation is required to be scanned and sent in to the editors for approval. Further health testing (Cardiac, CERF, PHPV, Hips, Elbows, Patella, etc) is also encouraged. It is highly recommended to buyers that they see these documents prior to purchasing their new Stafford.
If all breeders and owners were to test, Staffords would all be better off simply by the fact that we would have more information regarding where this breed is going as far
as health matters
are concerned. To further this
point, if only clear tested (l2-HGA & HC) Staffords are bred from - these two genetic diseases could be eradicated in three generations of breeding. That’s certainly something to think about.
Some argue that this would narrow the gene pool too much and is not a needed step to improving the future of this breed. To those i say, possibly, however - is that carrier stud dog so structurally superior to his clear tested brother that you wouldn’t consider using the brother instead? Just something else to think about.
TSK is compiling registered names and scanned
documents of all tested
(clear, carrier and affected)
Staffords for
a database project so that documentation will be on hand for future generations. In the U.S. our registries do not document these test results as the K.C. does in the U.K. Therefore too many people who own ‘clear by parentage’ Staffords have no proof in hand several generations down the line. In time, we at TSK hope the database will help those who wish to know the status of a particular dog or litter.
If you have a tested Stafford - please send One email to
[email protected] containing the full registered name, registration number, sire and dam registered names and scanned copies of all health testing done on your dog. Please only send One email per dog. In time, we hope to build a name only database with this information. Thank you for
supporting TSK and promoting
health testing of Staffords worldwide.
We are also working on a database of semen stored from health tested stud dogs. If you have semen stored from a tested dog and wish to have him included, please email [email protected] with health scans, pedigree information and contact information. Also please indicate whether or not the semen is available for use.
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“...Why just take a look at all the Judges critiques you have and all his purple and gold ribbons.”
Many years ago an interesting exchange happened between my mom and me in regards to two dogs. It was so eye opening that I would like to share it.
First some back ground, my mom is no stranger to dogs. She knows "her" breeds well but is not exactly up on the Official Standard for my breed at the time and most of her experience comes from one classy little dog who had done quite well in the show ring. This dog has some outstanding features and we were very proud of him. From now on I will refer to this beautiful boy as 1st Child. I acquired a bitch of the same breed that I will from now on refer to as 2nd Child. I chose
this bitch in my head months before the breeding ever took place. After 2nd Child arrived in my home I began to watch her with keen interest as she grew and matured. I was worried about ears, and bite, and tail, you know, the usual stuff.
At about 7 months old it all started
to come together and I mentioned to my mom "wow, 2nd child has a better head than 1st child. Her ear carriage is not so good but it doesn’t matter, one of the key elements for this breed is outstanding on 2nd Child".
She said: "uummmm I just don't see it. She looks too different for me.
1st Child is better. Why just take a look at all the Judges critiques you have and all his purple and gold ribbons.
I replied: "without a doubt 1st Child has a beautiful head, but 2nd child's head is a little better."
There was no doubt about 1st Child's head being exceptional. It was confirmed time again by breeder judges and even all round judges.
Over time my mom would make mention that she did not get it and then the light bulb went on in my head!! I had the answer! ! I explained to her this was because she had
The 5 Virtues
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The 5 Virtues CONTINUED
imprinted on 1st Child. To her he was the ultimate example of this breed. This was a classic example of Kennel Blindness. Oh the horror!! Kennel blindness cannot be right under our nose!! .... but yet we were looking it square in the head.
The reason I am telling this story is because by seeing the virtue in other dogs we are better equipped to see where we need to improve in our own. This was such a super example of harmless kennel blindness it was funny, eye opening, and disturbing all at the same time! I can think of a hundred reasons why this is a good story to tell. We simply cannot move a breeding program forward if we do not see our own dog's faults as they relate to the Standard. Seeing the virtue in 2nd child allowed me to see where 1st child could use improvement. Conversely knowing where 1st Child could use improvement opened the door to see that improvement in 2nd Child. Very Exciting Stuff.
Seeing virtue in others is a difficult task because I think we have been programmed to criticize. I am not sure why, maybe it is our own insecurities leaking out. I learned a lesson from a respected Judge and breeder many years ago and it has changed the way I see other dogs and in doing so it has improved my ability to pick a winner and move forward with confidence. The lesson is simple, when standing ringside say five nice things about a dog before you say one bad thing. I have found that by the time I get to number three the perceived fault is diffused and doesn’t matter anymore. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard (and even said) unkind remarks about dogs in the ring or outside the ring at dog shows. I look back now and I cannot think of a single good reason to ever discuss another dog's faults right at the ring. Experienced enthusiasts should be setting examples for good behavior; new people should be able to learn from observing good sportsmanship. It is extremely hurtful to hear your dog being discussed by strangers or worse, people you look up to. If you are asked for an opinion find the five virtues first. We always look much more wise and intelligent if we discuss other dog’s virtues at ringside. This is not to say I discount the value of sitting ringside with a respected breed specialist waxing philosophical
about the Standard and dogs being judged for the day. Everything has its time and place and some opportunities cannot be passed up. Just be super careful you are not criticizing someone's pet within ear shot of anyone. When in doubt shut up. People really love their dogs.
My Rules:
• Stop discussing your dog's faults with anyone who will listen, it sounds like you are making excuses.
• Say five nice things about a dog before you say one bad thing.
• If it is necessary to discuss what you would like to improve on your dog, say to a stud dog owner, sell it like an enhancement. For instance 1st Child's head is gorgeous but I could see where he could be improved. Then be careful what you wish for, exaggeration of any kind should be avoided.
• Do not ask judges or others for their opinion of your dog. A lot of people will disagree with me on this one, but I hold firm. I have seen enough judges, AKC and KC alike with such differing opinions that at times it is a matter of preference rather than fault or virtue. I do have an exception to this rule and that is if you are discussing with your breeder or someone close and truly knowledgeable and trustworthy.
• Do not ever fault judge another person's dog in person, in the vicinity, or honestly even at home. Look at your own dogs first.
• If you must have a discussion with a judge, talk about the Standard and the breed in general rather than your dog.
• As a breeder, virtue judge others and fault judge your own, always based on the Standard.
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• Know your dog's virtues based on the Standard not your opinion or what you prefer. It is honestly ok if you prefer a sweet feminine head that is a little snipey, or the tick tock movement of straight shoulders but that does not make it correct to the Standard.
• One of the best ways to see where you need to improve is to be open to the individual virtues in others.
Develop your own opinion by learning the Standard and being super observant. If you need help understanding the Standard you should ask the questions as they relate to the Standard and not your dog. Memorize the paragraph and ask your mentors to explain and show examples of correct. If you are still confused, ask for clarification. Don’t move on until you get it. I do not mean you should look for your dog's faults by asking everyone you know and then discuss them ad-nauseum. In fact you should NEVER discuss your dog's faults. Discuss their virtues but keep the faults in the back of your head for what you would like to improve on. I really do not think you learn anything by having another person fault your dog for you. You will just walk away feeling bad. You would be better off asking what is good about your dog. At least then when you start repeating what you were told, and we know you will, it will be virtues! There is no quick path to knowledge. You must work hard for your answers.
In the old days there was not an experienced breeder who would answer a novice's question without first asking, "What does the standard say?" If someone says to you, "Well, it says this in the Standard but I prefer this other thing", RUN! Everyone should be directed to and respect the standard. It is the one thing we have in common. I can look at our Stafford Standard right now and then in the ring today, and tell that we have plenty of people (Judges included) who need to be pointed back to the Standard in regard to the most basic fixable issue, weight! Weight is important because it relates to Balance and Balance is a key element to Stafford "Type".
My observations from the dog show world:
• People repeat what they have heard regardless of the source, it only has to sound half way reasonable and then just like the child's game of telephone it can evolve and eventually it may even become a new truth.
• Most people do not know your dog's faults until you tell them and then they cannot wait to repeat them as if they are so clever for discovering your dog's fault and if you told them it must be true.
• People are too willing to discuss what they were told without truly understanding it.
• Many people don’t thoroughly know and understand the official standard for their breed. (One time I asked a question about a passage in an official Standard at a seminar and I was told that the passage was not in the Standard by a breed judge! I was right and he was wrong.)
• Having a few litters and a following of puppy owners does not exempt one from novice status
Memorize, Memorize, Memorize the Standard and understand each part of it. Understand what your breed "type" is. Get to know your own dogs and how they fit or don't fit the Standard. Understand why your beautifully structured dog may always lose the blue ribbon to a dog whose virtues you do not see. Stop making excuses about judges and start looking at your own dogs with the critical eye you have used on others.
Copyright 2012 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved.Reprinted with permission by author for TSK, Inc. 2013
The 5 Virtues CONTINUED
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Tan Point Markings - aka Black and Tan by Sian Hammond
As you will no doubt be aware, black and tan is one of only 2 coat colours that are mentioned in our breed standard as incorrect.
Unfortunately, the very fact that it is listed as a colour is one of the reasons there are so many myths and mistakes surrounding the issue.
Despite popular belief, you do not get black and tan by mating red to black!
Black and tan is not actually a colour, it is a pattern. The gene which creates the black and tan coat determines the pattern that the colours take up, not the actual colours themselves. Whatever colour ,or combination of colours, a dog inherits from its parents, it can still have the “black and tan” pattern.
I find it simpler to refer to this type of coat as having tan point markings, to distinguish it from a
colour to a pattern. The fact that it is a pattern, and not a colour, makes it similar to the brindle coat as that too is governed by a patterning gene. The brindle gene arranges the coat colours into a background of red or fawn, with darker coloured stripes on top, the intensity of the stripes governs whether the dog appears anything from almost red with just a few odd stripes (tiger brindle) up to having so very many stripes that the coloured base coat is completely extinguished by black stripes (black brindle) The tan point markings gene arranges the colours into the same pattern as that which you would see on a Rottweiler ,or a Manchester Terrier, for example.
The fact that this gene only governs pattern, and not colour, means that a
dog can have ANY colour coat, and still be tan point marked. The dogs colour is irrelevant, if he is blue, with fawn points, or black with brindle points, or red with fawn points, he carries, and is affected by, the exact same gene which has created the coat on a dog standard black and tan.
The tan point pattern gene is a recessive gene, this means that, in order for a pup to be born with a tan point patterned coat, it needs to receive a copy of the gene from both of its parents. If you breed a litter and one or more pups have this coat pattern, you can be assured that both the sire and dam of your litter carry the tan point gene. It is also likely, in this case, that a number of your tan point pups litter mates will be carriers of the gene.
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This bitch above appears to be a pied but notice the red on her cheek. She is a black and tan Stafford, with the majority of her colour covered over by the white spotting gene.
To the left is a black and tan Stafford dog where the brindle pattern covers the tan points. He has inherited both the tan point and the brindle genes.
Those carrier pups will have received the gene from one of the parents, but not the other, therefore they do not possess a tan point coat themselves, but carry the gene and are capable of passing it on to any offspring they may go on to produce. If such a carrier is mated to another carrier, then, naturally, further tan point marked pups will appear in the next generation. If it is mated to a non carrier, then the gene will simply be passed along, un-noticed, within its carrier offspring, until it meets up with another carrier and is then able to
affect the coat pattern of future puppies.
As a pup can inherit more than one type of pattern gene, it is possible for there to be more than one pattern on the coat. For example, if a pup were to inherit both tan point markings, and, piebald markings, it could be born looking like a tri-colour, ie black and tan with white markings, or even almost entirely white with just a few bits of give away markings.
I have actually seen a Stafford who looked, to all intents and purposes,
like a pied, but the patch of black on his face contained a red eye brow and a bit of red on the cheek. This was a black and tan Stafford, with the majority of its colour covered over with white, by the white spotting gene. You can also find a Stafford who may appear almost entirely black, but who has brindle markings at the locations where you would expect to find tan markings on a black and tan; this Stafford would have inherited the tan point gene and also the brindle gene. As an aside, there is no actual black coat in our breed, the gene which creates a black coat has never been
Tan Point Markings - aka Black and Tan by Sian Hammond
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found in a Stafford, despite extensive studies. A Stafford who appears to have a black coat, will in fact be a very densely marked black brindle. To prove this point, mate a black to a red....you get brindles. Brindle is a dominant gene, therefore, if an animal does not have a brindle coat, it does NOT carry the brindle gene, so if black to red produces brindle pups, the black is a black brindle!
In short, any 2 parents COULD produce black and tan, or tan point marked, puppies. It matters not one iota what colour their coats are, they simply have to be carrying the right gene, and be mated to another animal carrying that right gene. An adult with a tan pattern coat, regardless of colour, will pass on that tan pattern gene to every single pup it produces. It may well never produce a single tan pattern puppy, simply due to the fact that it may well never be mated to another carrier of the the gene (remember that with recessives it takes 2 to tango) but its offspring will all be carrying that gene into the next generation, and it will eventually raise its head again!
By - Sian Hammond (Hammystaff)
Tan Point Markings - aka Black and Tan by Sian Hammond
This article first appeared in TSK in May 2010. Thank you to Sian Hammond (Hammystaff) for submitting this article and allowing us to re-run it. Thank
you again to those who submitted images of your well loved tan pont marked Staffords to be used as examples for this article.
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www.sta f f iesonl ine .org .uk
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JUDGING ABROAD
I have just recently returned from judging in England. This was my second time judging there. Most recently was the East Midlands Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club Open show in
November. I had prior judged the Terrier Club of South Wales in 2011.
It was an honor to be asked to judge both of these assignments, as it has been so many great shows here in the US. There are some differences when you get asked to judge an assignment abroad. You should do your diligence and learn the process that they are used to doing at the shows they attend. This makes it easier, not only on the dogs but also the handlers.
In my most recent judging I had an entry of approximately 70, and without very good ring stewards, the day would not have gone anywhere near as smoothly as it did.
Another difference is the day is extended by the fact that I do critiques on the first and second place of every class after placing them.
I would say the most common question I get is how my entrants compared to "ours" here? I have to say this, I truly believe that the top dogs here can compete there as theirs can do the same here. It is so nice to get your hands on a great specimen and as a judge you sure know when this occurs.
By Chris Jacksic(Jaxstock)
Photos clockwise from top:
•Chris with Zoe Martin
•Main photo - Dog lineup
•Chris with Malcom
•BD & BIS Sandstaff Bold And Fearless
•Nettleworth Nitty Gritty JW
•Fairlenium Eye of the Storm JW ShCM
Photo credit - Ed Dolphin & Richard Foster
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So what happens when we have highly evolved emotional beings that are abused and discarded like they are nothing more than filthy pieces of rags?
When we re-home and adopt second hand dogs, what should we do?
I have been lucky enough to have helped with tons of rehabilitation projects over the years and the method I subscribe to has worked wonders for developing trust and creating unbreakable bonds.
One mistake that I see and I cannot stress enough is the over emotional human who thinks it best to coddle, impose and add more stress to second hand dog. Whether the dog you have adopted is an introverted, passive dog or an extroverted, anxious, reactive dog. Imposing upon them will only add to your trouble and theirs.
When adopting a shelter dog, you must first take into account the honeymoon period. Any animal brought into a new environment will experience a sort of ‘shut down’ period. It is perfectly natural and expected. Change will elicit any being to shut down and to take stock of it’s new environment. Dogs are predators and hunters so hard-wiring has programed them to be very attentive to detail. In this honeymoon period they will learn who their friends are and who their enemies are. Unfortunately this period is sometimes ignored by even the most experienced of dog people. This period can be a make it or break it time for new owners.
If you understand how conditioning works and how habitual behaviours are formed then you know that in order to counter-condition and break unacceptable habits/behaviours you must get through extinction bursts, a period where all old behaviours will try hardest to survive change. You must diligently change the environment and the dogs perception of his environment by eliminating the triggers that the old environment presented.
Re- programming the Second Hand Dog
As most of you who already know me, I am a fan of crates, a big fan. Not for confinement, not for punishment, not for convenience but for privacy. Privacy of the dog. We take for granted the impositions we place on our dogs. We assume that because we feel that being placed in a crate is cruel. From a human perspective, maybe but do we not confine children to playpens and cribs for their comfort and safety? Do human children have a bedroom to call their own? of course they do and any parent who subscribes to routines and consistency notices the difference in their child’s development. A child who has regular naps and a regular bed-time appears to be a better student, a calmer and more patient child, not prone to temper tantrums or sudden outburst of disapproving beaviours.
I think it safe to say that dogs will naturally react to the same routines and stability in their own environments. If some of you are of the belief that a dog is just a dog, not in a derogatory way but meaning that you still believe a dog has a less complex set of emotions than a human then I understand your resistance to what I am about to tell you. I, however, feel a dog has the capability to comprehend a vast amount of emotional complexities. Not only do they reflect our emotions but I believe they manifest a wide range of empathic abilities. They are simply mirror’s to our soul.
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This brings us back to why I adore crates. Using a crate as a private place for your dog to relax in allows the dog the luxury to defragment without being ‘told’ anything. No nagging, no physical discipline, no yelling, no frustration, no confrontation, absolutely no stress for you or the dog. It allows the dog a safe ‘zone’ to forget those triggers and to re-assess his existence.
If a dog has experienced trauma before coming into your home, he will need to learn to trust again. If you have adopted a reactive or aggressive dog, he will need to learn to be calm and dis-associate from his environment. If you are inexperienced with dealing with reactive dogs, you may make things worse by indirectly re-enforcing his reactive behaviour.
If a dog that is not used to an abundance of affection and attention then there is a possibility that too much in the new home could create separation anxieties that did not exist before. Likewise if a dog was given up for adoption because of separation anxiety then now is a great opportunity to create some routine and stability by teaching the new dog to be comfortable being alone and comfortable in his crate.
Never think of crates as punishment. They can be used as time outs and more accurately as an opportunity to calm an over-stimulated dog. Over-stimulation only serves to disrupt any progress. Be careful that you don’t fall into the trap of too much activity in the beginning. Don’t try and tire an already ‘hyper’ or high drive dog by throwing a ball or toy continuously for hours on end. You may tire him initially but really all you are doing is creating stamina and more high drive and possibly contributing to some serious OCDs (obsessive compulsive disorders)! It’s better to do calmer things with a high dive dog such as mind games, focus games, clicker training and shaping. Teach them to settle and be calmer dogs.
Every adopted dog has a chance at a successful new beginning. Just like us every new year marks an opportunity to change your life. If negative behaviours or issues in your life are triggered by factors in your environment, then perhaps it’s time that you too changed your perception and eventually changed your behaviour by eliminating those factors.
Erika Phillips© 2013
Re- programming the Second Hand Dog
A student of Animal Behavior/Nutrition and Alternative Medicine since 1990. Erika has studied at Guelph University in Canada, Glasgow University in Scotland and attended the British institute of Homeopathy. Erika has bred, raised and competed with many breeds of dogs in all aspects of dog sport. She currently consults on Animal Nutrition, Animal Behaviour and Alternative Health , including herbs and homeopathy and owns The Controversial Canine. She currently esides between Ontario and Newfoundland Canada
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HEALTH TESTINGThe Stafford Knot wishes to provide the following information for your convenience. TSK encourages health testing of all Staffordshire Bull Terriers, especially those used for breeding purposes and/or performance events. The testing is made available to be used as a tool to eliminate certain diseases from a breeding program. Used wisely, this can be accomplished. The following testing information is provided as a service to you, however should not be used as the only health checks your Stafford receives. There are many more health issues to be considered when breeding dogs, caring for dogs and when looking to buy a purebred dog. As always, please seek the advice of your personal veterinary specialists for your day-to-day needs of your dogs. Thank you!
***PLEASE send in your test results for the databases. Accurate records are valuable to the breed***
Remember, if you choose to breed from a carrier you must test the entire resulting litter to determine clears & carriers. Thus if you choose to keep a carrier from that litter, the same must be done for each subsequent litter resulting from
breeding carriers. If you sell carrier pups, please consider spay/neuter so that more carriers are not produced. With the advent and ease of genetic testing many of these diseases could be eliminated by only breeding clear to clear. To use a
known carrier requires an extra step of responsibility. There is no excuse to breed an untested dog.
Testing Facil ity For L2-Hga & HC
Animal Health TrustLanwades Park, KentfordNew Market, Suffolk CB87UUPhone: 01638 751000Fax: 01638 750410
Email Website Direct Link
Testing Facil ity For L2-Hga OnlyCanine Genetic Diseases - University Of Mo.
321 Connaway HallColumbia, Missouri 65211-5120 USAPhone: 573-884-3712 Fax: 573-884-5414Email Website Direct Link
Testing Facility For HC in USA:
http://www.animalgenetics.us/Canine/HC.htm
* * * Please note - a CERF or PHPV test done by a canine ophthalmologist is NOT the same test as the DNA test for HC - BOTH tests should be carried out * * *
Other labs offering L-2-HGA test in Europe:
France www.antagene.com Czech Republic www.genomia.cz Germany www.laboklin.de / www.laboklin.co.uk
Testing Facility For Hip, Elbows, Patella and Cardiac Certifications *
Orthopedic Foundation For Animals (OFA)
2300 E Nifong BoulevardColumbia, Missouri, 65201-3806 USA
Phone: 573-442-0418 Fax: 573-875-5073
Email Website
*Note: A Board Certified Cardiologist must perform all Cardiac exams.
A qualified licensed Veterinarian can provide X-Ray films for hips, elbows and Patella.
Testing Facility For Eye Certifications*
Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
1717 Philo RdP O Box 3007Urbana, IL 61803-3007 USAPhone: 217-693-4800 Fax: 217-693-4801
Email Website
*Note: A Board Certified Canine Ophthalmologist must perform all CERF exams.
CERF exams are annual exams for breeding stock.
=======================================
Coat color testing for those wishing not to produce blues, dilutes or black and tan can be found at many labs now.
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http://w11.zetaboards.com/BBO/
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FROM CLUELESS TO CHAMPION . . . KHAKIS TO TAHARI
Yes, that was a typical conversation with many of my performance dog friends over the past two years. Many of them supported me in my endeavors but very few wanted to know much about it. Most of the time they walked away wondering what the attraction was in "teaching a dog to stand still for a piece of bait".
I too at one time believed that conformation was all about teaching a dog to stand still for some liver. As well, I thought you had to pretty much stuff your dog full of cheese to get them fat enough to be worthy of the purple ribbon.
But let's back up to the beginning before I ever popped a pan of liver in the oven or looked
up a recipe for silk (or satin)
balls... While shopping
breeders for my Stafford, I was often
asked the question of whether I would show the
dog in the breed ring. My answer was always the same. I wanted a temperamentally sound Stafford built well structurally for performance activities. Of course I had other items on my wish list, but this was the most important to me. I always told the breeders that if they sold me a dog they felt was good enough to be a Champion, then yes, I would indeed show it in the breed ring even though I hadn't a clue what it involved or what it was all about.
Ironically, while sitting in the midst of pouncing puppies in the backyard of one breeder, I found myself asking the breeder "do
you think she will do well in the breed ring?" Somehow over the course of my search I went from answering "I will show the dog if it is worthy" to asking "Is the dog worthy".
The day that I asked that question for the first time was the day that I met the sassy energetic bitch who two weeks later was in a crate secured to the back seat of my van on her way home to live with me. "Elivid's Shaken Not Stirred" aka "Bonnie".
On the drive home, I dreamt of all of the things Bonnie and I would do together. After working with nothing but rescues for the past 11+ years, she represented my first ever "fresh start". I also thought about the breed ring and the untred waters I was about to possibly enter.
Friend: "What are you doing this weekend?"
Me: "Showing Bonnie at a breed show"
Friend: "Why on earth are you doing that?"
Me: "Because I want to learn about the breed ring and I think Bonnie is worthy of some letters before her
name"Friend: "No handler?"
Me: "NO"Friend: "I don't know why you
bother"
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Over the next several months, Bonnie and I attended puppy socialization classes and classes that would form the foundation for performance activities. I heard of a facility close by that had drop-in handling classes so once in a while we attended that too. Before I knew it, my first conformation show was here!
We had entered a show in February 2011 in Secaucus NJ. It was held the Friday before Westminster. I thought for sure there would be an entry of Staffords there. How could there not be? I woke up early that morning, dressed in my khakis and blazer and hit the road.
Well, lo and behold, we were the only ones there. Me and my 9 month old puppy. So we
picked up our Best of Breed ribbon and promptly headed over to the photographer. Not because we got Best of Breed. Rather because we both just survived our first ever time in the breed ring and I wanted the proof. Having a seasoned conformation friend with me helped a great deal and she gave me good feedback on our showing. We certainly had work to do.
In the months that followed that February 2011 show, I wavered back and forth. We were having a wild ride in the conformation ring. While Bonnie was legitimately beating other bitches from time to time, and even scoring RWB from time to time, she was just never garnering that top spot. The carrot of the purple ribbon was constantly dangled in our face, just out of reach. Should I continue? Or should I just spay my bitch and get back to agility?
There was a lot more factoring into my decision than just winning/not winning. Along those 18 months, I met others showing their Staffords. We became friends and that's how I learned what it meant to build an entry. No one wants to waste money and be the only one at a show! Communication with other Stafford owners was key! But of course being a novice handler, and one who was never winning, I had to wonder why they were so willing to include me in their circle. I didn't know them very well. I wondered if I was points fodder. A few of them told me time and time again that they really liked my bitch and her time would come. As the months went by, I realized I was really enjoying my new friends and hanging out with them and supporting each other at shows. I knew I would miss this if I stopped.
FROM CLUELESS TO CHAMPION . . . KHAKIS TO TAHARIContinued
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On the flip side of making new friends was learning that not everyone wanted to be your friend and not everyone liked your bitch/dog. I attended several big shows and spent a lot of time on the sidelines watching and trying to learn. It was very discouraging to me at times to hear some of the discussions going on outside the ring. Sometimes, people were just downright rude and they didn't care who was in earshot. While I did already have my own support system built that I knew I would rely on, it was discouraging to see my pool of potential mentors shrink. I think my most eye opening experience was the day that I setup a video camera outside the ring so that I could tape myself. I didn't have much time to fool with the camera so I turned it on and let it roll for several classes. All I can say is that watching and listening to those videos later on was quite eyeopening. Obviously people didn't know it was rolling! Thankfully the comments about my own bitch were nothing terrible because I'm sure I would have hung up my hat right then. But I could only sit back and wonder what was being said about Bonnie behind my back. This isn't something a novice handler should really need to worry about.
While discussing with another exhibitor my dilemma of whether to continue, she asked me what my original goal was. It immediately brought things back into perspective for me. My original goal was to learn about the conformation ring. My bitch was helping me do that. I certainly still had a lot to learn. If this was something I hoped to be
successful at in the future, either with Bonnie or some other dog, it made sense to continue.
Right around the same time as having that epiphany, I got injured while playing fetch with
Bonnie on a long line. The line got trapped under my foot and she pulled it out
from under me, hyperextending my knee and I heard a pop.
Thankfully, my ACL was still intact, however I sustained an avulsion fracture. I was now forced to learn another aspect of conformation. Hiring a handler. I panicked. What would my new friends think of me showing up
with a handler? None of them used one!
At Bonnie's first show with her new friend, she was a little
superstar. Strutting her stuff around the ring and standing like a statue for the judge.
Who was that bitch and where did Ashley stash Bonnie? I realized that it was a good thing for Bonnie to work with someone who knew what they were doing for a while. So I became the "owner on the sidelines" for a few months. During those months, Bonnie showed very well for Ashley but never came home with the purple ribbon. And eventually, as Bonnie became more and more attached to me, the relationship between Ashley and Bonnie disintegrated to the point that it was detrimental to put them in the ring together. Bonnie just wanted her Mom. No one else would do.
FROM CLUELESS TO CHAMPION. . . KHAKIS TO TAHARI Continued
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I needed to throw myself back in the saddle. My goals changed while Bonnie was being shown by Ashley. I saw how good she could look in the ring. I had to learn how to show her like Ashley did. And I now wanted those letters she deserved in front of her name more than ever. I now wanted to figure out what needed to happen so we could finally reach that purple ribbon.
My first step was to go back to handling classes. But this time, I found two handling instructors. One who helped teach the dog, the other who helped to teach the handler. It was with this second instructor that I learned that showing a dog wasn't all about teaching it to stand still for a piece of bait. You needed to convince the judge to look at you. Convince the judge that the dog at the end of your lead was indeed the best dog. The dog in the best condition. The dog gaiting around that ring like it owned it. Standing still for a piece of bait???? The least of my worries!!!! I needed to SHOW MY BITCH and believe she was worthy!
Bonnie and I threw ourselves into classes, I continued her fitness regimen, and I went shopping. I traded in my khakis and blazer for a bright yellow Tahari suit. Come August 2012, I was ready. Ready to get back in that ring and score that purple ribbon.
What happened from August 2012 through November 2012 is like a whirlwind to me. That very first show in August in my new yellow suit, Bonnie took Winners Bitch for her first two points. Her next show, she took Winners Bitch and Best of Breed and went on to astonish me with a Group 2 placement! More shopping ensued and my show wardrobe grew. In my new attire, we got a couple of RWBs in September and then at the end of September grabbed up our very first 3 point major! The following weekend we grabbed two of the three majors at Hatboro (supported entry) and Montgomery (specialty), including Best of Winners at Hatboro! In November we attended the Kennel Club of Philadelphia where we were awarded Best Opposite Sex, leaving us one point shy of that elusive Championship. And finally, wearing that bright yellow Tahari suit the following weekend in Maryland, we took Winners Bitch and Best of Winners for 2 points finishing Bonnie's Championship in style.
So now my new dog show wardrobe hangs in the closet. Freshly cleaned and pressed. Will we continue our learning in the breed ring by adding GCH to our goals? Or will we focus purely on performance going forward and the wardrobe will wait until a new puppy graces the household? Only time will tell. But in the meantime, I’d like to thank everyone who supported me and “The Bonster” along the way. You know who you are.
***This article is dedicated to my Dad who instilled in me the ethic of “never give up”. Dad tried to not give up. He fought hard. But he lost his battle with lung cancer in October 2012. ***
Deb Roseman
FROM CLUELESS TO CHAMPION . . . KHAKIS TO TAHARIContinued
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CHAMPIONS OF THE PAST
Ch Emden Corsican
The Stafford Knot, Inc. would like to send a very special
THANK YOU to Mr. Brian Owen for allowing the use of his
personal photo collection of early UK Champions. We will feature several of
his photos throughout 2013.
CH Brystaff Mindern Rose at Obmarstaff
CH Langport Avenger
Photos © Brian Owen - use by written permission for TSK, Inc.
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CHAMPIONS OF THE PAST
Ch Rockmere Rip It Up
The Stafford Knot, Inc. would like to send a very special
THANK YOU to Mr. Brian Owen for allowing the use of his
personal photo collection of early UK Champions. We will feature several of
his photos throughout 2013.
Ch Badgerlea Rascal
Ch Fancy Fay of Summermuir
Photos © Brian Owen - use by written permission for TSK, Inc.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear The Stafford KnotI only recently came across this
magazine and wanted to send you a note to say how much we are enjoying it. We have downloaded several of the older issues and are loving all the articles and photos. We adopted our Staffy a few years ago from a breeder in Hawaii and we just love her. She used to be a show dog. Thank you for doing this great magazine. Keep up the good work.
The Newell family
Thank you Stafford Knot,This is a wonderful tool for the
non-specialist judge of your breed. I plan to attend a study session on the Staffordshire with a regional judges’ education group this coming Sunday and will most definitely spread the word concerning your publication, and your great illustrated standard, should the presenter not do so. My sincere thanks.Sincerely,Sandy G.
Dear TSK team,I really like your work and it is very
good idea that you help the rescue.Kind regardsChristiane T.
The Stafford KnotI love the new Online magazine,
and thank you for including me in the distribution! Very well done!
Judy F.
Thank you!Congratulations on an excellent
new issue of the magazine! I truly enjoyed all of the articles, and especially the piece on bulldog+terrier.
Thanks for working hard toward great goals.
Cheryl
Stafford Knot, Great and timely article on
Movement! I am not familiar with the author, but did study movement with Curtis Brown who was published in 1986 "Dog Locomotion and Gait Analysis".
Carol E.
Dear The Stafford Knot team, I love the Stafford Knot! Excellent job!Sincerely, Michelle W.
Love it!I just wanted to say I'm loving 'The
Stafford Knot' . I especially like the articles - a great variety of interesting topics. I just wanted to say Thank you and let you know how much I appreciate te publication.
Sincerely,Tina T.
Dear Stafford Knot,Thank you for continuing to send
out a quality publication. Each issue I find to be more impressive and educational than the last. The Staffy
Bull is one of my favorite breeds and while I do not get the opportunity to see many of them, I do look forward to getting these assignments.
I was impressed with the article in your July 2010 issue regarding judging the breed and would love to see a more descriptive article on steps taken during exam in the ring.
Thank you,David K.
Good job!This online magazine is really well
done! I look forward to each issue and I download them all. Thank you for the free subscription.
Jeannie M.
Send your letters to [email protected] or - Send your Q&A question to ASK TSKThe Stafford Knot, Inc. runs Letters to the Editor as they are sent - no editing. They are not necessarily the
opinion of this publication or those who are associated with it.
Thank you! to our readers for sending us your feedback. We include a FEEDBACK form on the website. Please feel free to submit your questions, suggestions & comments. TSK cannot survive without all of YOU!
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New TitleEMAIL
FO URO3 UCDX UWPO UGWPCH1 UACH UNJCH GRCH DYNAMO SURESHOT SMART AS A FOX VCD2 TD CDX MX MXJ RE CAA SPD NJ-N TT CGC
CH Sureshot's King Louie x Edna Mae Leedee‘Foxy’ finishes her 5th title of 2012!
New Coursing Ability Advanced!
Breeder: Paul & Patricia Menard Owner: Christine Edwards
Health testing status on file with TSK
Specialty ShowsEMAIL
THE STAFFORD SHOWDOWN
Area 3 Regional SpecialtyTwo UK Breed Specialists - Mr. Laurie Ford (Blitstaff) & Mrs. Clare Lee (Constones)
Puppy & Veteran Sweepstakes - Mrs. Rachel Fabrizio (Redbow) & Mrs. Frandel Brown
February 2 & 3, 2013Sunmaid KC, Fresno California
Northern California Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club
Specialty ShowEMAIL
AREA 1 REGIONAL SPECIALTY & SUPPORTED SHOWS
Park Shore KC, Blackhawk KC, International KC of ChicagoNorman Patton (AKC) Thursday - SBTCA SupportedLinda Lee (Socksdown) Friday - SBTCA Supported
Dave Lee (Socksdown) Saturday - SBTCA Area 1 SpecialtyPuppy & Veteran Sweepstakes -Susie Krauth (Karmastaff) Saturday
Jaimie Mace (Stormbull) Sunday (IKC show)February 21 - 24, 2013IKC, Chicago, Illinois
4 days of shows - Saturday & Sunday benched
BRAGS, SHOWS, LITTER ANNOUNCEMENTS
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RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS WORLDWIDEIf you wish for your registered Stafford rescue to be featured in TSK free of charge please
contact [email protected]
THE STAFFORD KNOT, INC.
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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTSCLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTSCLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
Hello Stafford! Hello Stafford now available on shirts, mugs, stickers and more. Sales benefit fight against BSL and support rescue and health testingCLICK here to shop
Limited EditionsFitPaws Canine Conditioning Equipment, Natural Treats + Chews, Toys, Tugs, Collars. Unique accessories for your unique pets. [email protected]
Bull Breeds Online Your online forum for all Bull Breed lovers and canine enthusiasts! bullbreedsonline‘Like” us on Face Book
Thankdog - All Breeds EqualHelp fight BSL promote responsible dog ownership. T-shirts, Calendars, Stickers, & more. Proceeds benefit Stafford causes. CLICK here to shop
Young Living Essential OilsExperience therapeutic benefits of essential oils for your family & pets too! Distributor Referral #1166695CLICK here to shop
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT The Stafford Knot, Inc. has applied for 501(c)3 status. If granted, your donations & ad money will be considered tax deductible. We will keep our readers posted as soon as we know.
Your Advertisement Here Your Advertisement Here
The Stafford Knot offers classified advertising of goods and services which are dog related. Ads are limited to 20 words, no images. For larger ads please consider gallery advertising. The Stafford Knot cannot be held responsible for any items sold through this page. All sales are between seller and purchaser. TSK makes no warranties either written
or implied. No puppies for sale ads. No stud dog ads. The Stafford Knot, Inc. reserves the right to deny advertisements at our discretion.
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Merchandise also available at www.cafepress.com/thankdog
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Knot ,INC.
THE STAFFORD
TSK merchandise available at http://www.cafepress.com/thestaffordknot Profit from sales benefit Stafford rescues worldwide
THE STAFFORD KNOT, INC.
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FROM THE EDITOR
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now
and make a brand new ending.
- Carl Bard
The beginning of a new year is a great time for making a fresh new start. Two important components in moving forward are repairing of the old and preparing for the new. Repairing involves making changes and often starts with forgiveness and then making the necessary changes to correct our wrongs, and move forward.
I’ve often been amazed by some people’s insistence on being negative. It is quite contagious and I find myself not really ‘being myself’ sometimes when I am at shows or with dog show people. Sometimes negative comments are made out of boredom, malice, ignorance or sometimes just to be saying ‘something’ at all. I too have spoken out of turn, just like we all have. I have tried to apologize to those I may have hurt when it was pointed out to me that I have done this.
One way I plan to start a fresh New Year is before I speak in public I am going to try very hard to think over what I want to say. Is it the truth or is it simply information I have heard elsewhere? Is what I want to say good or is it bad? Is it useful or not? There is no point in telling it if its bad or not useful so I can stop speaking then and there. I don’t always have to add a comment to what is being said to me or around me. Just nod and a smile will suffice in most cases. We are living huge parts of our life on auto-pilot. We act out of habit. Breaking a bad habit will only takes you half way. From there, you must
build a new habit. Make your own judgment and don’t react to pressures from those ringside to speak just because you are being engaged to do so.
Another way we can start fresh is to learn how to be ridiculous. Too often we’re rejecting change and avoid starting fresh by fear of rejection. What if I’m going to be laughed at? What if people will reject me because I will be clumsy in the show ring? What if I trip over my dog, look like I’m flying an imaginary airplane in Agility or I do the wrong pattern in Rally? Well, they may reject you. You might be ridiculous if you start something completely new. And that’s the good news. Learn how to be ridiculous. It’s an art. Try to laugh more often and especially at yourself.
Focus on what matters. What other exhibitors say about you is not that important. In fact, it isnt really your business.What you really do with your life, your dogs, your time - that’s important.
Your emotions work backwards too. So even if you don´t feel positive, confident, calm or decisive you can act like it. And after you have done that for a few minutes, guess what happens? You will actually start to feel positive, confident, calm or decisive.
Live in the now like your dogs do! Don’t focus on past disappointments. Visualize now how
great your future events will unfold – see and hear it – and also how great you will feel when you compete with your dog.
Stop comparing yourself, your dogs and your decisions to others. If you don´t stop then you´ll just create a lot of unnecessary pain in your show career. Enjoy your wins. And you will have wins. Enjoy them, but don’t continuously bring them up either. Everyone knows you won. That was the day they may have lost.
And you will also lose, drop a bar, miss a station. Move on. Yes it hurts. Yes, you lost or screwed up. Accept it and move on. There is this very simple thing which many people are just blindly ignoring: you can’t have a new victory until you close your current battle.
Michael Jordan once said: “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Thank you to our followers for helping to promote health testing in the breed & raising money for Stafford rescues - Share TSK with someone! Thank you to all of you for supporting TSK!
Go hug your Staffords!Lynn Caswell, Sr. Editor, Creative Director
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BACK ISSUES
January 2010Issue #1, Vol #1Articles include: Joseph Dunn - Hints to the NoviceSBT=Bulldog+Terrier
February 2010Issue #2, Vol #1Articles include:SBT Breed Seminar, Raymond CrillyBreeders Code of SilenceSBT Exhibition Center
March 2010Issue #3, Vol #1Articles include:Balance & MovementPHPV - Tala’s Story Demodectic Mange - Alternative Therapies for Treatments
April 2010Issue #4, Vol #1Articles include:RX For Whelping & Caesarians What You See is What You GetThe Tragic Loss of Bloodlines & Mentoring in AmericaA Very Special Boy Meets His 1st Stafford
May 2010Issue #5, Vol #1Articles include:Info on Health TestingTan Point Markings - AKA Black & TanStaffords in Working TrialsFibro Cartila....what? How to Select Against Genetic Disease with Knowledge, Not Hope
June 2010Issue #6, Vol #1Articles include:GDC Genetics Interview Balance in the SBTOne By One - What YOU can do!The Disappearing Sperm SBT Breed Record Holders
July 2010Issue #7, Vol #1Articles include:Dogs Who Fly - Dock DivingJudging My WayThe Holy GrailHow to Weight Pull with your Staffordshire Bull TerrierTrack Training - Starting OutFlyball - “Organized Chaos”
August 2010 - Veterans!Issue #8, Vol #1Articles include:Grey Muzzles & Puppy Dog TalesStaying in the GameMy SunshineTammyAlfMay be viewed HERE
September 2010 Issue #9, Vol #1Articles include:Training Your StaffordForequartersWhat Price GloryEarly Neurological StimulationMay be viewed HERE
October 2010 Issue #10, Vol #1Articles include:Living With CushingsDon't Steal My JoyWhat is Natural RearingUsing Genetic PedigreeMay be viewed HERE
email [email protected] for copies of articles if not linked here
November 2010 Issue #11, Vol #1Articles include:Miracles Do HappenNostalgiaThe Versatile StaffordThe Genetic PedigreeArnica MontanaMay be viewed HERE
December 2010 Issue #12, Vol #1Articles include:The Breed TodayPuppies For ChristmasPets As TherapyUnderstanding Recessive GenesA Tribute To TrilbyWhen Things Don’t Go As PlannedMay be viewed HERE
January-February 2011 Issue #1, Vol #2Articles include:ArthritisHow Cassie Became an AustralianObedience ChampionWhat is L2-HGA?Teaching Bite InhibitionThe Truth About VaccinesThe Eukanuba ExperienceQ&A - ToplinesMay be viewed HERE
March - April 2011 Issue #2, Vol #2Articles include:Cherish Every MomentImportance of Nutrition in Natural HealingWhat is CERF?Competitive ObedienceUnderstanding Judging ConsistencyHow Diatomaceous Earth WorksQ&A - UnderjawMay be viewed HERE
May - June 2011 Issue #3, Vol #2Articles include:Tally Ho - Lure CoursingThe Topline of the SBTThe Rule of FivesInterview - Norman Berry (Rendorn)Renal Disease in CaninesHereditary Cataracts in StaffordsQ&A - BitesMay be viewed HERE
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BACK ISSUES
email [email protected] for copies of articles if not linked here
July - August 2011 Issue #4, Vol #2Articles include:Breed Specific LegislationHip DysplasiaPreferred Breed TypeThe Problem with Dog ParksWhat Veterinarians are Saying About the Raw DietInterview with Tony Brindley (Cabrindle)How It All BeganMay be viewed HERE
Sept - Oct 2011 Issue #5, Vol #2Articles include:Got Itch?The Backyard PuppySportsmanship, Part 1Sportsmanship RevisitedDog ShowingQ&A - Slipped HocksMay be viewed HERE
Nov - Dec 2011 Issue #6, Vol #2Articles include:The SBT Standard - A Personal InterpretationBreeding - The Big PictureWhere Have All The Pure Breeds Gone?The Ostrich SyndromeFoster Mom Finds RewardsThe Head of a Staffordshire Bull terrierQ&A - Hocks Let DownMay be viewed HERE
Jan - Feb 2012Issue #1, Vol #3Articles include:Faultlessness vs VirtueA Dog Named TillyBSL - Banning LassieMeet the BreedWhat is Your Target?Choice of Stud DogLetter To The Editor: ImportsMay be viewed HERE
Mar - Apr 20112Issue #2, Vol #3Articles include:Vaccination Reactions Can Mimic Disease SymptomsPhil DrabblePlaying COIKennel BlindnessBull & TerrierLetter To The Editor: StructureMay be viewed HERE
May - June 2012Issue #3, Vol #3Articles include:SCSBTS 75th Anniversary of 1st ShowHints to the Novice: Joe DunnOur Dogs - Review of 1936 byHN BeilbyThe Breed According to Fred PhillipsPictorial Early StaffordsLetter To The Editor: Weak StructureMay be viewed HERE
July - Aug 2012Issue #4, Vol #3Articles include:Line Breeding - Past & PresentBuilding ConfidenceWhy The Shit Hits The FanFlying Bricks - FlyballThe Stud DogLetter To The Editor: Judge CompetencyMay be viewed HERE
Sept - Oct 2012Issue #5, Vol #3Articles include:TSK Photo ContestSporting Bull & Terrier Klub PolskaKaryn Dawes TributeQ&A DemuxedProgression in Animal/Human BehaviourMay be viewed HERE
Nov - Dec 2012Issue #6, Vol #3Articles include:On BalanceChanging EstimatesStaff OnlySlipping HocksPuppy PuzzleWorking & ConditioningStaffords UnleashedQ&A Fighting WeightMay be viewed HERE
2011 - 2012 Issues also includeIllustrated Breed StandardInformation on Health TestingFeatured RescuesStud GalleryBreeder Directory