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AKC Rally® is the newest event to join the Companion Event family and it was developed after rally-style auto racing. The dog/handler team must navigate a course made up of directional signs. Each course is unique and different; it is great for first-time competitors or anyone new to Companion Events.
Rally provides a link from the Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) program to obedience or agility competition, both for dogs and handlers. In addition, rally promotes fun and enjoyment for dogs at all levels of competition. Rally is a sport in which the dog and handler complete a course that has been designed by the rally judge. [What it is:] The judge tells the handler to begin, and the dog and handler proceed at their own pace through a course of designated stations (10 - 20, depending on the level). Each of these stations has a sign providing instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience. [You can do this! Ezy peazy with some training – fun!] AKC Rally is the new dog sport that is taking the nation by storm, a successful stepping stone from the AKC Canine Good Citizen® program to the world of obedience or agility. Rally offers both the dogs and handlers an experience that is fun and energizing. The canine team moves at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner in mind, but it can still be very challenging for those who enjoy higher levels of competition. A Rally course includes 10 to 20 stations, depending on the level. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience. Communication between handler and dog is encouraged and perfect heel position is not required, but there should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler. The main objective of rally is to produce dogs that have been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs, in a manner that will reflect positively on the sport of rally at all times and under all conditions. Three levels of competition: Novice, Advanced and Excellent First through fourth place in each class. There are four Rally Titles attainable. Find out more at: https://www.akc.org/events/rally/getting_started.cfm Beginner's Guide PDF free! Online. J Where to find a class in Dallas Area: https://www.apps.akc.org/apps/events/obedience/training_clubs/index.cfm?action=search_state&state=TX
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Clean It Up!
The last area of concern in our ‘Between Groomer Visits’ is about the santi-area. There really isn’t a lot to explain about this one. We can visit the ‘ Why’ a little more but first we can be clear about what this area ‘n-tails (lol!). The santi-area includes the area directly beneath the tail surrounding the anus and with girls, the vulva, too. On a boy’s tummy it is the prepuce (foreskin) that covers the head of the penis or gland penis and the penis itself. Clarity (naming names) is important so you can understand that of which we speak. It can be important if there is a problem. The major reason to clean the santi-area clean is odor and infection. Bacteria can be trapped in long hair and increase. A UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) happens when bacteria enters the urethra (the tube that takes urine from the bladder to the body’s exit point). “The urinary tract is the body’s drainage system for removing wastes and extra water. The urinary tract includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra”(1). Having an infection of any sort enter the body through the urethra is like offering a gateway to the rest of the body’s major systems. Not good. Another major reason to keep the area of the penis clean is a common but embarrassing occurrence with the boys called Paraphimosis (2) which means potentially bad news or ‘para’ meaning abnormal attachment and ‘phimosis’ meaning a tightening of the foreskin/preputial opening(3) that is different than having a non-retractable foreskin, which is normal in many boys [versus adult males-lcr].” Phimosis can also be related to persistent issues urinating but the common problem, paraphimosis, is when the penis (glans penis) is trapped outside the sheath or stuck because the long hairs are literally ‘glued’ to it and cannot retract resulting in the drying of tissues, pain and possible swelling and trauma. The glans penis is unable to retract (4) for one or more reasons and the owner should take a look to determine whether a trip to the vet is necessary. The glans is a vascular structure located at the tip of the penis in male mammals (5). If no bulb or swelling is involved, use K-Y or some petroleum jelly like Vaseline to lubricate in aiding the situation. Read the article credited below for help and how-to details. J If there is swelling (engorgement, when the sheath has constricted as a tightened ring) go to the vet. The other issue is if there is any damage done. The danger here is with permanent damage, impaired blood circulation, pain and other trauma and is a medical emergency. Phimosis can result in chronic inflammation/infections and cancer. Keep all hair close or very short for the santi-areas. Be extremely careful not to knick. Even blunt tip scissors can pinch or even cut if you misjudge. Take a breath and just be careful. A groomer at a reputable/national chain (I will never go back to) knicked one of our boys so bad he needed 3 stitches! and was half done!!! I have never done that kind of damage or come close. Robert at The Dog House (972-675-9769/Garland,TX) finished this grooming fiasco and helped the dog recover from the trauma with quiet, calm care. Robert came veterinarian recommended and this was our introduction to The Dog House. Use scissors and go easy. If you do knick - apologies, hugs and kisses help and finish the job. Big treat afterward for them. Deep breaths for you. If you’re unsure, look at videos how-to on U-tube. 1. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases /pubs/imagingut/ 2. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/phimosis 3.http://www.merckmanuals.com/ pethealth/dog_disorders_and_diseases/ reproductive_disorders_of_dogs/ reproductive_disorders_of_male_dogs.html 4. http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/ mahaney/2013/june/paraphimosis-pet-emergency-or-owner-embrassment-30463 5. The glans is a vascular structure located at the tip of the penis in male mammals http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glans |
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