Category Archives: Dog Clubs
Nose Work
~All things Aroma Focused
Well, yesterday, we heard from Asher about his exploits and challenges to earn Nose Work titles. It is pretty much a mystery to us–you have to get into the discipline to understand the nuances as well as the process. All of this has twists and turns that to the outsider seem confusing.
Michelle explained it like this- “Nose work is not an easy topic…people have spreadsheets to sort out their titles and levels.”
I have been wondering about this discipline as I know many of you have too. We know at least six OwyheeStar Weims who are engaged in Nosework at various levels. If I missed someone, please let us know. We would love an update with information and pictures to share.
Shiny–(Zula Blue X Stackhouse) ~NACSW Nosework Trialing Level 3
Asher (Bernie X Blue)–AKC Scent work
Porsche (Mesquite X Stackhouse)
Skye (Sage X Blue) AKC Nosework
Michelle was kind enough to fill in a few blanks. So far, she and Asher have competed in the Nose Work or scenting events hosted by four groups. Yes–there are four different options in which Michelle and Asher took part.–there are a few more she has not yet encountered.
- NACSW — National Association of Canine Scent Work
- USCSW –United States Canine Scent Work
- UKC –United Kennel Club UKC Scent Work Event Calendar
- AKC –American Kennel Club AKC Scent Work News
Each club has their way of doing things–so, keep that in mind. Michelle’s weekend AKC trial event had more than 50 dogs competing at various levels. The NACSW event where Julia and Shiny netted a second place she faced a total of 38 competitors. Both gals and their OwyheeStar wonder Weims did outstanding. We are so proud!
Michelle Explains Asher’s Titles
NW1, DDI, AKC TKN, UKC NC, UKC NV, UKC NE
NACSW NW1 is novice level
USCSS DDI is detection dog intermediate which is one level up from novice.
AKC TKN is novice trick dog
UKC Novice Exterior, Vehicle, and Containers
Each club/group has their own set of rules and what it takes to earn a title. For an example in UKC, we have novice titles in exterior, vehicle, and containers and compete at the next level in those 3. We missed our interior, so we are novice level in the interior for UKC. Most of the venues are similar, but AKC has buried hides instead of vehicles. NACSW is credited as the founder of the sport. I understand it is a bit confusing–even people involved in the Nose Work keep spreadsheets to be able to remember their titles and levels.
Politics and Whatnot
Well, maybe you have heard about it or not. There is the dog politic thing. Some venues are steeped in it more than others–AKC possibly would be the worst. (Sorry, but it is the truth.) If you are running your Blue or your Longhair Blue, not everyone is going to give you credit due. There is a strong bias within the Weimaraner Club against the blue coats. Nonetheless, people love them and want them.
Michelle says–“I always get compliments on Asher…many comment on what a nice looking dog he is. We have ran into the definition of a “standard weim” several times in our very short time in the world of competition. At times, people have made some comments that have caught me off guard. Such as, “They are not our kind.” At times, I have wanted to strike up a conversation, but let’s just say—body language speaks volumes. Regardless, I am a girl just wanting to have fun with her dog. I am not trying to play in your confirmation ring.”
It is the truth that if you want to compete, you have to have a tough hide. Anything can happen. Competitors come with bias as well as swagger. Some are more gracious than others. Scenting sports are fun. There is for sure, not the same level of issues faced with competing for a Show Title.
2018 Weekly Synopsis
Greetings From Far Eastern Oregon
~MARCH 24, 2018
The gray morning has opened to sunshine as Cliff pulls away from the homestead. I love that it is filling the kitchen and dining area with its brilliance. The overflow (of the not so direct sunlight) slips towards my workstation. I enjoy it so as I type. Spring officially arrived a couple of days ago–whatever that means. Some places got a dump of winter snow yesterday. Here we had the typical spring-ish weather.
We have been watching the fields green up. The hay looked a little bleak after Cliff corrugated, but with the rain and some sunshine, it looks pretty darned good. Everywhere there is activity in the fields. The center-pivot across the road is in position and ready to roll.
At OwyheeStar
Grandpa is off to train with Winnie and Cypress. He and a few North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) guys are meeting near New Plymouth, Idaho to prepare for the Spring Hunt Test. Even the NAVHDA Natural Ability test requires a lot of preparation. Cliff has been working on the entry forms and other associated paperwork needed so he can participate. Timing is vital. The Weimaraner must be no older than 16 months. This window of opportunity makes it tough–tests happen twice a year locally. There are only so many slots to be had–if you don’t get one reserved it is likely the pup will age–out without a test. We cannot travel to Western Oregon or Western Washington like others might do. We get guys from that area coming here to get into our tests. On the other side of the US where states are close together, it is feasible to schedule three or more hunt tests so you can be sure to get your best shot at capturing the NAVHDA Natural Ability Prize.
This Week on the Blog
We hope you enjoyed this week’s posts. Maybe you liked them enough to read them a second time. I think they speak to our heart in ways we cannot imagine. We see our Weim through another’s experience. We gain insights and possibly avoid issues. At least we identify with other’s struggles and their triumphs. Thanks for helping us and sharing with the OwyheeStar Community.
Sunday—March 18 — Gracie
Monday — March 19 — Biking (with Berkley)
Tuesday — March 20 — At Six (Dodger)
Wednesday — March 21 — Marie’s (Pushkin)
Thursday – March 22 — Mark and Robin (Nutz)
Friday — March 23 — In The News (the United Airline Debacle)
On a very personal note
It is Spring on a small rural piece of property. There is a lot to get done. I won’t bore you with the entire list of must-do items. To many, it would not make sense anyhow. Rural life is hard to understand unless you lived it. Maybe you saw the pregnant gopher Cliff captured–he has caught two such giants with the enormous round tummy. (OMG)
Otherwise, I am working every day in the greenhouse. I open and close it morning and night. Things are starting to cook you might say. I am sad to realize that a lot of what needs to be done is going to require Cliff’s help. There is no way Ashley and I can haul up everything or build some of the more extensive raised beds. He has to get it fenced–we have the Weims ya know. They don’t respect the boxes or plants.
I think we have our health challenges traveling with us forward. Nonetheless, we are making the most of life. We find a way to improve and manage the situation. I think that is enough about that for the time being–when there is additional information, I will talk about it.
Grouse Opener
North Central Washington
~ Hunting Dusty and Ruffled Grouse
Hi guys, I hope your summer has gone well. Just wanted to send some photos from our grouse opener weekend- (between me, a friend and George from Stackhouse and Mousse) we hit about 15 dusky and ruffed grouse over 3 days!
We were hunting in north central Washington, there’s a lot of empty public space out there. It’s not as high as our Cascades are there, normally I see mostly duskies and rarely ruffs but this was the opposite.~RichardFor those that don’t know–, these are forest grouse or mountain grouse.
Dusky/blue grouse are northwest birds but ruffed grouse are the nature northern part of the continent. You see both in thick forests and blue grouse only usually above 4 or 5000 feet.The other American grouse species like sage grouse or prairie chickens or sharp tailed grouse are mostly plains or desert birds so that would be more likely what you’d see down your way.
Breeder Comment
AKC Trick Novice
Willow Does It Again!
~Willow attained her AKC Trick Novice title today, what a good girl!
She is now—
UKC Best-In-Show and High-In-Trial Champion Sunstar Willow of OwyheeStar, AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC Trick Novice, UKC Rally Obedience I, Therapy Dog International certified!
ABOUT TRICK DOG
From the 1920’s and 1940’s when trick dogs such as Rin Tin Tin and Lassie won peoples’ hearts, trick dog training has become one of the most exciting new areas in dog training today.
TRICK DOG TITLE INFO:
AKC Trick Dog titles are official AKC titles listed on the dog’s title record.
The processing fee for each title is $20. Multiple titles for the same dog can be sent in together, each one will be processed in succession after each previous title has been added and printed.
Dogs must have an AKC, PAL, or AKC Canine Partners number to earn a title.
All dogs can get a number including purebreds and mixed breeds.
4 TRICK DOG TITLES –
NOVICE TRICK DOG (TKN)
The dog performs 10 skills from the Novice list. (see link to “Application” below for lists of skills). If a dog has a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate or title on record at AKC, it can do 5 Novice tricks (CGC + 5) to earn the Novice title.
INTERMEDIATE TRICK DOG (TKI)
The dog must have the Novice title, plus perform 10 Intermediate tricks.
ADVANCED TRICK DOG (TKA)
The dog must have the Intermediate title, plus perform 5 tricks from the Advanced list.
TRICK DOG PERFORMER (TKP)
I n this title, handlers perform a short routine with at least 10 tricks previously learned.
THERE ARE TWO WAYS YOU CAN EARN AKC TRICK DOG TITLES:
1) Perform the tricks (from the check list in the Title Application) in the presence of an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator. The Title Application will need to accompany the check list for the particular title you are applying for.
2) AKC will recognize Do More With Your Dog!™(DMWYD) titles at Novice, Intermediate and Advanced levels. The Title Application will need to accompany proof of the DMWYD title being earned, such as a copy of the actual title.
****GRANDFATHER NOTICE****
DMWYD Titles Grandfathered Until End of 2017
If you have a DMWYD title that is above Novice, (i.e. Intermediate, Advanced, Expert) until December 31, 2017, you may send proof of the title (copy of DMWYD certificate) and pay only the $20 title fee for the highest level title for which you are applying to earn the equivalent AKC Trick Dog title.
Examples:
If you have a DMWYD Intermediate certificate, send the AKC Intermediate Trick Dog application with the $20 title fee and AKC will issue your AKC Intermediate Trick Dog title.
If you have a DMWYD Advanced Trick Dog title, send the AKC Advanced Trick Dog Application with the $20 title fee and AKC will issue your AKC Advanced Trick Dog title.
If you would like to earn the AKC Trick Dog Performer title, send a copy of your DMWYD Expert Trick Dog or Champion Trick Dog certificate, along with the $20 title fee, the AKC Trick Dog Application for the Performer level, and, YOU MUST INCLUDE A VIDEO.
For more information about the Trick Dog Program check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Congratulations Willow and Jan!
Juniper’s Debut
Put it on the Calendar
Jan Says
Got a new pop-up and chairs today- Willow, Juniper, Daisy and I are looking forward to the upcoming UKC dog shows in Tigard, Oregon! Willow is entered in Altered Champion and Juniper is entered in Novice Puppy, we can’t wait!
Today
In Colorado
Shiny’s first dog show, first rally course & first leg!!!
The Roaring Fork Kennel Club (AKC) sponsored event will see the lovely Shiny for a second time. Yesterday, he completed his leg toward getting his Rally Title. What an awesome achievement! Today, they are back to see what else they can accomplish.
Let’s cheer them on!
Congratulations Julia and Shiny!
Yes–Shiny is a Blue Longhair Weimaraner!
Colorado Boy
A Blue Longhair
Shiny is a true Colorado Boy! Here he is on his first “fourteener” (mountain over 14,000 feet) just 2 weeks before his first birthday!
Demo Dog Too!
He also was the demo dog for the local 4H conference today.
As you can imagine, he was a big hit!
OwyheeStar’s Succeeding with the Weimaraner.1
Meet The Weimaraner
The elegant Weimaraner is considered eye-candy by those loving the large sporting breed. For many, nothing other than this breed will do; however, others find their quirks and temperament challenging. The Weimaraner Club of America (WCA) Breed Standard is is listed as follows by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Weimaraner Breed Standard
Sporting Group
General Appearance
A medium-sized gray dog, with fine aristocratic features. He should present a picture of grace, speed, stamina, alertness and balance. Above all, the dog’s conformation must indicate the ability to work with great speed and endurance in the field.Height
Height at the withers: dogs, 25 to 27 inches; bitches, 23 to 25 inches. One inch over or under the specified height of each sex is allowable but should be penalized. Dogs measuring less than 24 inches or more than 28 inches and bitches measuring less than 22 inches or more than 26 inches shall be disqualified.Head
Moderately long and aristocratic, with moderate stop and slight median line extending back over the forehead. Rather prominent occipital bone and trumpets well set back, beginning at the back of the eye sockets. Measurement from tip of nose to stop equals that from stop to occipital bone. The flews should be straight, delicate at the nostrils. Skin drawn tightly. Neck clean-cut and moderately long. Expression kind, keen and intelligent. Ears–Long and lobular, slightly folded and set high. The ear when drawn snugly alongside the jaw should end approximately 2 inches from the point of the nose. Eyes–In shades of light amber, gray or blue-gray, set well enough apart to indicate good disposition and intelligence. When dilated under excitement the eyes may appear almost black. Teeth–Well set, strong and even; well-developed and proportionate to jaw with correct scissors bite, the upper teeth protruding slightly over the lower teeth but not more than 1/16 of an inch. Complete dentition is greatly to be desired. Nose–Gray. Lips and Gums–Pinkish flesh shades.Body
The back should be moderate in length, set in a straight line, strong, and should slope slightly from the withers. The chest should be well developed and deep with shoulders well laid back. Ribs well sprung and long. Abdomen firmly held; moderately tucked-up flank. The brisket should extend to the elbow.Coat and Color
Short, smooth and sleek, solid color, in shades of mouse-gray to silver-gray, usually blending to lighter shades on the head and ears. A small white marking on the chest is permitted, but should be penalized on any other portion of the body. White spots resulting from injury should not be penalized. A distinctly long coat is a disqualification. A distinctly blue or black coat is a disqualification.Forelegs
Straight and strong, with the measurement from the elbow to the ground approximately equaling the distance from the elbow to the top of the withers.Hindquarters
Well-angulated stifles and straight hocks. Musculation well developed.Feet
Firm and compact, webbed, toes well arched, pads closed and thick, nails short and gray or amber in color. Dewclaws–Should be removed.Tail
Docked. At maturity it should measure approximately 6 inches with a tendency to be light rather than heavy and should be carried in a manner expressing confidence and sound temperament. A non-docked tail shall be penalized.Gait
The gait should be effortless and should indicate smooth coordination. When seen from the rear, the hind feet should be parallel to the front feet. When viewed from the side, the topline should remain strong and level.Temperament
The temperament should be friendly, fearless, alert and obedient.Faults
Minor Faults–Tail too short or too long. Pink nose.Major Faults–Doggy bitches. Bitchy dogs. Improper muscular condition. Badly affected teeth. More than four teeth missing. Back too long or too short. Faulty coat. Neck too short, thick or throaty. Low-set tail. Elbows in or out. Feet east and west. Poor gait. Poor feet. Cowhocks. Faulty backs, either roached or sway. Badly overshot, or undershot bite. Snipy muzzle. Short ears.
Very Serious Faults–White, other than a spot on the chest. Eyes other than gray, blue-gray or light amber. Black mottled mouth. Non-docked tail. Dogs exhibiting strong fear, shyness or extreme nervousness.
Disqualifications
Deviation in height of more than one inch from standard either way.
A distinctly long coat. A distinctly blue or black coat.Approved December 14, 1971 (from the WCA Website—click here!)
OwyheeStar Note: The Breed Standard is copied from the Weimaraner Club of America (WCA) Website. The photo (of Willow and Jan Magnuston is compliments of Jan Magnuson SUNSTAR All-breed Dog Training.
Hazey Skye Daze
The girls have been growing up and changing like crazy over the last 6 months. Skye will be 2 years old on May 31, and Haze will be 2 years old on July 31.
Both girls regularly attend classes at our dog club. We usually have them enrolled in at least 2 different types of classes each week. The current term classes are Agility Foundation and Advanced Rally. Skye also is involved in the newer sport of Nose Work. Nancy is hoping to gear Haze towards shed hunting which she will work with Haze on her own.
We take the dogs most everywhere with us, although we do make sure they are left at home periodically so that they learn it’s ok to not be with us all the time. When in the house alone, the girls are crated if no one will be there for more than an hour. So far, they have shown no real signs of separation anxiety, although for the first few minutes when we leave, they anxiously hope they get to go by watching out the window. If not, they eventually go lay down staying quiet until we return. We are still constantly working on good manners for greeting new people and other dogs as they get so excited. The girls definitely keep us on our toes, but we can’t imagine life without them. They are so funny and interactive. They love to get dressed up and are curious about everything, which makes for great adventures.
Skye still feels that she controls all things at all times, although as she has become older, her need to control all things shift usually ends by 8 pm, as she disappears and going to bed on her own.
The girls have also been the inspiration for our new logo for our business Action Animal Pet Care & Dog Training. 
Owyheestar Weimaraner's News 