The start of another exciting year!
There was something for everyone at the Spring Conclave. Brown Doggers descended on Harrisburg's Gander Mountain
this past Saturday morning with anticipation. On arrival we were greeted with Starbucks Coffee (thank you Grace) and sweet
comestibles. The dogs were the stars of the area as we had to explain over and over the typical question, "what kind of a
dog is that?"
We kicked off right on time and the first exercise was steadiness on the line. An opportunity to showcase your dogs ability to
sit-stay even with distraction. The second exercise was a marking drill where everyone was made to understand that not
every bumper is a retrieve. Most times the handler is the retriever which makes the dog more apt to pay attention for "his
turn" to retrieve. We followed up with basic "fetching and holding" skills for different kinds of objects, hard plastic and
canvas bumpers, dokkens, etc. Then the dogs got to laugh at us as we went through some basic obedience commands as
a group. You could just hear the dogs going "your left, you dummy, your other left." We managed to confirm the fact that in
most cases, it is the handler that screws up the commands, the dog does fine.
this past Saturday morning with anticipation. On arrival we were greeted with Starbucks Coffee (thank you Grace) and sweet
comestibles. The dogs were the stars of the area as we had to explain over and over the typical question, "what kind of a
dog is that?"
We kicked off right on time and the first exercise was steadiness on the line. An opportunity to showcase your dogs ability to
sit-stay even with distraction. The second exercise was a marking drill where everyone was made to understand that not
every bumper is a retrieve. Most times the handler is the retriever which makes the dog more apt to pay attention for "his
turn" to retrieve. We followed up with basic "fetching and holding" skills for different kinds of objects, hard plastic and
canvas bumpers, dokkens, etc. Then the dogs got to laugh at us as we went through some basic obedience commands as
a group. You could just hear the dogs going "your left, you dummy, your other left." We managed to confirm the fact that in
most cases, it is the handler that screws up the commands, the dog does fine.
Dang Yankee Boykin Spaniel Club
Annual Membership Meeting 2009
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
We broke for lunch and while we chowed down on the ton of food (thank you again Grace) and we conducted a shortened
business meeting. Who needs to be bored to death with a bunch of administration anyway. Elections were held and it was
decided by all present that the Officers of the Club would remain in place for a minimum of one more year with a new VP
and Secretary to be elected then. Free time was declared after the meal and we spread out in the store to take advantage of
the discount we had been afforded through the graciousness of our host Gander Mountain. I think most everybody got
something, the discount made it worthwhile to do a little early shopping.
Outside once more, we all gathered around for a quick demonstration of basic mat removal (dang those ears) and foot care
to include clipping the excess hair between the pads and around the feet and the obligatory nail clipping. All of which
makes for a happier dog and less mud and dirt in the house. A quick trip up the road to a large field provided sufficient
space for the dogs to really let off some steam, ears flying, legs churning and happy little squeals of glee to be sent after
thrown marks on command.
By late afternoon, the enthusiasm was beginning to wane for both man and beastie alike, so we loaded up and headed
back home. If your ride was anything like mine. There wasn't any movement from my little brown friend except when I once
inadvertently rode over the "rumble strip" and then the brown periscope slid back down behind the seat until I pulled into the
driveway at home.
See more photos @ http://yankeeboykins.fotopic.net