Von Moosbach-Zuzelek dachshunds at the NATC Zuchtschau

I have only few minutes to write this post so I know that we will probably have several more posts about North American Teckel Club events, which took place on June 13-16 in Reading, PA. This one is about Sunday Zuchtschau, which was judged by a Wolfgang Trumpfheller, a conformation and hunting judge from Germany. "Von Moosbach-Zuzelek" dachshunds were represented by two 14-month-old litter mates Theo and Tuesday.

The two pictures below show Theo who is owned by Darren Doran from New Jersey. We have written about Darren and Theo several times already. At this early age he is already an accomplished dog. Few weeks ago he passed a Deer Search 20-hour blood tracking test with Prize I performance. On Saturday he passed a gun-shyness test and Water Test. And on Sunday he received "Excellent" rating at the Zuchtschau. Judge Trumpfheller gave him quite a few compliments. Congratulations Darren, we are so grateful for everything you have done with Theo.

I showed Tuesday, and I did not handle her too well. Her gait in the pretty high grass was not that great. In spite of this she also received "Excellent" rating. In my opinion her weakness is in her somewhat roached topline, so I was surprised to read on her evaluation form the judge's comment "straight topline". The picture below shows Tuesday when she was in the ring with other "excellent" wires at the end of the show. She is the second dog on the left.

A big thank you to Patt Nance for taking pictures of Tuesday at the Zuchtschau!

Jolanta (me) handling Tuesday in the show ring.

For those unfamiliar with the FCI system of dogs shows and evaluations, this is a certificate I received for Tuesday at the end of show.

The evaluation form shows her weight 7.9 kg (17.4 lbs) and chest circumference 39 cm (14.4 inches). It also shows other traits that a judge evaluates.

Since Tuesday and Theo's brother Sky was "Excellent" and Best in Zuchtschau last year, it looks so far like the breeding of Paika (FC Paika v Moosbach-Zuzelek SW) to Moose (FC Nurmi von Moosbach-Zuzelek) produced some really nice looking dogs for the field.

To be continued....

Sky von Moosbach-Zuzelek becomes a new Field Champion and goes Best in Zuchtschau on the same weekend

It does not get any better! On Thursday, November 1, our 15-month-old Sky von Moosbach-Zuzelek passed a gun-shyness and NATC Small Game Hunting tests. On Friday his conformation was rated "excellent" by a German judge Monika Wittkamp. He was also her pick as Best in Zuchtschau. On Saturday he was 1st in an OAAD stake of 14, went Best of Open, and became a new Field Champion.

At the conclusion of Zuchtschau on November 2: Sky was selected Best in Show by Judge Monika Wittkamp

Sky with his ribbons for 1st in OAAD stake, Best in Open and new Field Champion

Sky is a very charming and full of character dog.

Mielikki Raptor becomes a new Field Champion and passes a Small Game Hunt Test

A wirehaired dachshund Mielikki Raptor was born on December 10, 2011, in the Czech Republic. She was bred by Gabriela Skruzna, and our friend Lenka Faraislova brought Mielikki and her sister Macaria to this country at the end of February 2012. 

She went to her first field trial on October 27, and 8 days later she finished her Field Championship with three 1st places and one Absolute win. She also passed a gun steadiness test and North American Teckel Small Game Hunting Test. At a NATC Zuchtschau she got a "very good" rating with a comment that in 3-4 months she will be "excellent" when she matures more. BTW, she weighs 7.9 kg (17.5 lbs).  

Patience gets rewarded! At one point we had some doubts about Mielikki, especially when her second teeth erupted and they all looked out of place. But some friends, especially Patricia Nance, advised us to wait. We are glad that we followed the advice. Her teeth are OK now, and she proved to be a very talented versatile hunter.

On Sunday, November 4, Mielikki won her stake of OAAB, then was Best of Open and Absolute Winner of the trial

 

Importance of functional conformation in a working dachshund; NATC events - part 2

On Sunday, June 12, the North American Teckel Club held a Zuchtschau at Rockaway, NJ. A big thank you to Teddy and Carl Moritz who hosted the show at Winnebago Scout Reservation.

Zuchtschau is a conformation show where each dog is evaluated according to the FCI dachshund breed standard #148, and each dog receives a written evaluation from an FCI judge. This year the Zuchtachau was judged by  Mme Agnès de France, President of the French Teckel Club (Club des Ameteurs de Teckels). She judged for the NATC before, exactly two years ago.

What is the FCI and what is the FCI dachshund standard? The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is an international federation of kennel clubs, and currently it has 86 members countries, with one member per country. You can see which countries follow the FCI rules by clicking here or here. Perhaps you will notice that the USA, Canada, UK and South Africa are not on the list...unfortunately. You can read more about the FCI on its website. The wikipedia states that "the aims of the F.C.I. are to encourage and promote breeding and use of purebred dogs whose functional health and physical features meet the standard set for each respective breed and which are capable of working and accomplishing functions in accordance with the specific characteristics of their breed; to protect the use, keeping and breeding of dogs in the member countries."

The North American Teckel Club is part of the DTK (Deutscher Teckelklub), which is in charge of the FCI standard of the dachshund breed as Germany is the country of the breed origin. The NATC holds two conformation shows per year and you can read about them on the NATC website.

Even though on paper the AKC and FCI standards of conformation are not that different, in reality as John says "the American show judges decided, in their wisdom, that if the original dachshund from Germany was a comparatively short-legged, long dog, then the ideal “improvement” would be to exaggerate these characteristics. Check out the big show winners in dog magazines to observe what passes for the most desirable show dachshund today. The exaggerations are most extreme in the smooth-coated  dachshunds. Perhaps they are fine lawn cruisers, but with less than two inches of ground clearance, they would be in big trouble if they had to hoist their long heavy body over a 12 inch fallen long." To download the text of the FCI standard for dachshund and commentary providing additional information go here.

The bottom line is that a hunting dachshund should be athletic and his built should be "especially suited for hunting game below ground, for beating the bush in search of game, and for trailing". So when you are thinking about acquiring your first dachshund for blood tracking, don't think about just his nose, tracking desire, intelligence and other hunting qualities, but pay attention to the parents' conformation too.

When I started to breed wirehaired dachshunds my first litter was a cross between a French working teckel (FC Fausto de la Grande Futaie) and American show dachshund (FC Rivendells Ruby Tuesday). Even though Ruby had a lot of hunt, her conformation was not extreme, and all the following generations of breeding involved FCI working dachshunds only, it was very difficult to get rid off the large- sized, low-stationed, long-bodied, deep-chested American show phenotype. When it comes to breeding, this type seems to be dominant over the lighter and more agile type with  better ground clearance and shorter body.

This picture shows Hansi (Teuffel von Moosbach-Zuzelek), who was Ruby and Fausto's grandson and was born in June 1995. He grew up to be 35 lbs, and he had extremely exaggerated conformation. Of course, we did not use him for breeding. This is not the conformation type you want in a working dachshund...or any dachshund. However, this is the type that you see very often an American show ring.

Hansi is an example of "wrong" conformation for a working dachshund. He was too large, too long and too low to the ground.

There is a reason why I am addressing this issue in my post. Recently I have realized that a number of American show wires have been imported to Europe, and to my surprise, in spite of the long and low stationed conformation, they have done very well in a show ring there. Some of them have done well in blood tracking tests too. Now American show breeders are starting to sell their pups to blood tracking homes. All I can say - do you research first and be an educated puppy buyer. Let's hope that the conformation of these dogs is going to withstand physical demands of blood tracking.

After this long introduction to conformation let's turn to the NATC Zuchtschau. The pictures are telling a story how a dachshund is evaluated according to the FCI standard.


Patt Nance with Viljo, who was rated "excellent".

First a dachshund is put on a scale and his weight is recorded. According to the FCI standard dachshunds come in three sizes. Standard Dachshund has circumference of chest 35 cm or more and its ideal upper weight limit is about 9 kg. Miniature Dachshund has circumference of chest from 30 to 35 cm measured when at least 15 months old. Rabbit Dachshund has chest circumference up to 30 cm measured when at least 15 months. Dachshunds weighing in at more than 10 kilos may not be awarded the “Excellent”.

Stephanie Marcoux is handling Whiskey, who received the "excellent" rating.

Mme Agnès de France is measuring this wirehaired dachshund's chest. As it turned out even though he was out of mini parents, his chest measurement above 35 cm determined that he is of a standard size.

Dog's bite is checked thoroughly.

And all his teeth are counted.

Mme Agnès de France showed us these drawing illustrating dachshund's teeth and jaw. The FCI standard considers absence of one or more canines and absence of one or more incisors as eliminating faults.The same goes for the lack of other premolars or molars with exceptions : the two PM1, one PM2 without consideration of M3.

A tail is checked for kinks. This was embarrassing, but as it turned out Quenotte has a kink at the very base of her tail. I have never noticed it as I was checking the tail further down. A kinky tail is an eliminating fault.

Once a dog is checked on the table, a judge observes how the dog moves.

 

Movement should be ground covering, flowing and energetic, with far reaching front strides without much lift, and strong rear drive movement should produce slightly springy transmission to top line. Tail should be carried in harmonious continuation of top line, slightly sloping. Front and hind legs have parallel movement.

Teddy Moritz with her longhaired mini Garmin who received "excellent" rating.

A dog's temperament is tested by observing his reaction to the loud noise.

All dogs are rated, and possible ratings are: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Sufficient, Disqualified and Without Evaluation. At the end of the show the best dog in each coat is selected, and the show closes with the selection of the best dog in show.

MmeAgnès de France Alexandra whose red mini longhaired Jesse James von Reblick was "Best in Show". CONGRATULATIONS to Alexandra and Jessie James!

For pictures from the NATC Zuchtschau click here



NATC 2010 Spring Seminar and Show

Dates: Thursday, 17 June through Sunday, 20 June
Judge: Herr Jens Witter (from Germany)

Presenters:

• John Jeanneney - Author of Tracking Dogs for Finding Wounded Deer, DTK/NATC hunting judge and founding member of the NATC.
• Jens Witter - DTK conformation judge, hunter and breeder of DTK dachshunds

Seminar topics will include conformation, hunting, blood tracking, obedience, gun steadiness and water retrieval. Training and testing will be offered for blood tracking, obedience, gun steadiness and water retrieval.

A Zuchtschau (conformation show), where dachshunds can receive written critiques from an FCI judge, will be held on Sunday.

 

Location: The seminar and show will be held at Winnebago Scout Reservation, 102 Timberbrook Rd., Rockaway, NJ.

For more information contact: Carrie Hamilton at hamiltce@juno.com

Introducing FC Tom vom Linteler-Forst, wirehaired dachshund from Germany

In June 2008 we imported two young puppies from Germany at the same time - Joeri vom Nonnenschlag and Tom vom Linteler-Forst. Joeri has been one of the most precocious dogs we have worked with, and we have written about him extensively. It is time to introduce Tommy.

Tom vom Linteler-Forst was bred by Dieter Engel from Coburg, Germany. We have known Dieter and his wife Dr. Marlies Müller (von Rauhenstein kennel) for many years. They both are exceptionally accomplished breeders of standard wires, and dogs of their breeding are universally recognized for their superior quality. Tommy's pedigree (see below) is a mixture of German and Scandinavian bloodlines. He is a grandson of famous Revestreken's Frikk.

Tommy is a very outgoing, friendly, affectionate and intelligent dog. His conformation is impressive, and at the spring NATC Zuchtschau he was rated vorzüglich (Excellent). His wirehaired coat is ideal with thick undercoat and harsh, wiry topcoat. He weighs around 9kg (20 lbs) and his chest circumference is 43cm.

Few weeks ago Tommy finished his AKC Field Championship with two first places and one second. He has a very strong hunting drive and opens freely on live game such as rabbits. His nose is powerful, and he trails rabbits fast. Last summer he showed us good aggressiveness towards woodchucks when he was confronted by one.

Tommy has showed good potential for blood tracking on artificial blood lines but this current tracking season is going to be his first in the field. We will know much more about his aptitude for natural blood tracking in a couple of months.

Tommy has a strong, beautiful head with a very nice beard.

Joeri's first deer; Billy's first deer of the season

posted by John Jeanneney


Yesterday was a good opening day for us. Jolanta went with me on the two calls so we were able to handle two tracking dogs, Joeri and Billy.

The first call was ideal for young Joeri as an introduction to the real thing. It was a stomach shot that went about 150 yards. This line was about 5 hours old. The hunter was afraid that if he pushed the deer he might lose it, so he wanted to get a tracking dog on the line.

Joeri, with Jolanta handling, had little difficulty tracking the sparse but visible blood trail across a brook and through some thick cover until he found the deer dead. Joeri thought that that the deer was much more exciting than that old deer skin at the end of the line.

Jolanta with Joeri

The second deer, a big 7 pointer, was much more challenging.
Joeri started again with patient Billy acting as back-up dog. Although the pass-through shot proved to be almost perfect for placement, there was very little external blood on the ground.
Joeri did well on this older, much more difficult line, but after about 250 yards he missed where the buck had changed direction and had gone up hill.

Billy, tracking along behind, recognized Joeri’s mistake and followed the correct scent line up the hill. Then I saw a drop of blood. Billy and I made another turn and in 25 yards there was the big deer dead.

It was old stuff for Billy, but Joeri tracking along behind thought that this was just amazing. The two dogs shared “their” deer with only a few minor growls.

The hunter went wild with joy, hugged me and kissed Jolanta on both cheeks.

NATC Fall Zuchtschau - October 3-4, 2009

On October 3, 2009 North American Teckel Club will hold Zuchtschau and related events. For more information contact Carrie Hamilton.

The Zuchtschau is a conformation show where each dog is evaluated according to the FCI dachshund breed standard #148. Each dog will receive a written evaluation from a German judge. This show will be judged by Herr Wilfried Petersen – DTK Federal Chairman for Conformation Judges.

The show is located at D-Bar-W Equestrian Center, 536 Orchard Rd. Reinholds, PA. Show will be held indoors. Spectators are welcome. Bring chairs. For entered dogs, full attendance is required on the day of judging. The dog’s papers, evaluations and certificates will not be released early.

The premium list and any event updates will be posted on the NATC website http://www.teckelclub.org/.

When entered in the Zuchtschau, dachshunds, which are at least 9 months old, will get a written evaluation and an official rating. Puppies between 6-9 months are not given an official rating, only “little promise”, “promising”, and “very promising”.

If the rating is ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’, the dog is eligible for DTK breeding between 15 months and 8 years (bitch) or a recommended 10 years (dog), according to the DTK rules and regulations. If the rating is less (‘good’, ‘sufficient’, ‘not sufficient’), the dog cannot be used for breeding within the DTK.

Entry fees
Advance entries: First adult dog $20.00, puppies $16.00, each additional dog/same owner $16.00
Gate entries (day of event): $26.00
All NATC club members receive a $3.00 discount off of their first Zuchtschau entry at this show.
Please make checks payable to North American Teckel Club.

Closing date: All entry forms with the appropriate fees including reservations for Saturday Dinner must be mailed and postmarked by SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 to: Carrie Hamilton, 9621 Bachelor Road, Kutztown, PA 19530.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Sat., Oct. 3 9 AM –10 AM Registration for the Zuchtschau
10 AM - Noon Zuchtschau
Noon - 1 PM Lunch
1 - 5 PM Zuchtschau
6 - 10 PM Club dinner at Weaver’s Market followed by Membership Meeting

Sun., Oct. 4 10 AM - Noon Companion Dog Test
Noon - 1 PM Lunch
1 - 3 PM Gunsteadiness and Water testing
3 - 5 PM Question & Answer session with Herr Petersen
6:00 – 8:00 PM Dinner at a local restaurant

HUNTING TEST INFORMATION:
All tests will be offered first to NATC members and pending members and then to other dachshund owners.

On Sunday, DTK/NATC Schussfestigkeit (gun steadiness), Wasser (water/bird retrieval) and Begleithunde (companion dog) tests will be offered. There are no entry restrictions for these tests. Advance entry is $5.00 for gun steadiness, $10.00 for the water test and $25.00/$10.00 for the companion dog test The first companion dog price is for the BHP-G (all three tests); the second price is for each separate BHP test (see description of test exercises later in the premium list). Gate Entries are $10.00, $20.00 and $50.00/$20.00, respectively. Advance entry forms with the appropriate fees (check payable to the NATC) must be postmarked by SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 and mailed to: Carrie Hamilton, 9621 Bachelor Road, Kutztown, PA 19530.

You need to pre-register for Saturday Dinner by sending your check (along with entry info) to Carrie Hamilton.

Recommendations for showing:

Breed standard: To select the dogs you want to enter, please read carefully the FCI breed standard (#148) at the website (www.teckelclub.org).
Dress code: There is no written rule on dress code, but it is very casual. Shorts and jeans are accepted (not the stained and ripped ones). Hunting outfits are seen often in Europe, but if you wish to dress up, you should feel free to do so.

Attendance: All exhibitors have to stay until the judging is over. This is not only polite for the judge and the last exhibitors, but this amount of time is needed to prepare the paperwork of your dog.

Weight of the dog: Most dogs at American shows are considered overweight for European standards. The general rule for weight in Europe should be emphasized: the ribs should not be visible, but clearly palpable. So a thin layer of tissue should cover the chest. Less weight usually induces a little more tuck up of the underline.

Stacking (table): The dog is stacked on the table, never on the floor or ground. Do not extend the hindquarters as far as it is done here in the US. The hock is positioned slightly behind the rear.

The judge will ask the age of your dog. Indicate the age in months before 2 years (e.g. 21 months) and after 2 years of age in years and half years (e.g. 3½ years). The dog’s tail will be checked thoroughly: vertebra by vertebra. Make sure your dog does not mind this examination procedure.

The teeth are very important according to the FCI breed standard (see the chart of tooth faults on the next page). The judge will check and count all of your dog’s teeth, including the back teeth (molars and premolars). Almost all judges prefer to check the teeth themselves, however, only if your dog does not feel comfortable with this at all, you could request to show your own dog’s teeth. Make sure all teeth are clearly visible for the judge. In most instances, your fingers block the view. It is advised that you allow the judge check the teeth, when you are not sure about how to show them yourself.

Stance (floor): A natural stance is required on the floor. When the judge asks you to have your dog stand in front of him, you are not allowed to touch your dog. It takes a little practice to make sure your dogs stands nicely on its own during a few minutes, while the judge is dictating his evaluation. Take your time when doing this. The judge will wait until you feel your dog is ready to be evaluated. If you do not like your dog’s stance, you may want to reset your dog by quickly looping around and come to a standstill in front of the judge again. Remember you cannot touch your dog while doing this.

Most FCI judges will test the temperament of the dog by making strange noises and/or movements, when the dog stands on the floor (not table). A dachshund is not supposed to be fearful or aggressive.

Gaiting: Some judges ask handlers to walk their dog on loose lead. You are not obligated to do this, unless upon the judge’s request. A dog being able to trot on a loose lead, even when this is not requested, will impress most judges.

The gait is the most important aspect of FCI showing. Most dogs have a tempo in which it moves most beautifully. During gaiting, handlers are supposed to use the full size of the ring. Do not loop around in a small circle unless the judge asks you to do so. Continue walking until the judge or ring steward tells you otherwise.

Grooming: At European shows, the grooming is done prior to the show. Only minor combing or brushing is done just before showing. Make sure you plan the grooming well in advance.

The European longhairs are not groomed as much as here. Most of the furnishings are left intact. The feet should be trimmed neatly (between the toes). The same counts for the wirehairs. Most European breeders strip their dogs 8-6 weeks prior to a show. German judges love the beard and eyebrows so do not over-trim. Never shave off whiskers and eyebrows on any dog. The nails should be kept relatively short. The dog should be able to stand properly with the nails lightly touching the ground.

Do not apply any artificial fragrances and oils to your dachshunds. Keep in mind that dachshunds are supposed to be hunting dogs. Do not bathe your dog shortly prior to the show. It will negatively affect your dog's coat, especially in the case of longhaired and wirehaired dachshunds.

See pictures from the spring Zuchtschau here. Pictures from previous NATC events are at:
http://jola.smugmug.com/NATC

NATC Zuchtschau 2009 - Joeri vom Nonnenschlag goes "best in show"

On Sunday, May 31, the NATC held its spring Zuchtschau at Rockaway, NJ. The show was judged by Mlle Agnès de France, President of French Club des Amateurs de Teckels. Altogether there were 24 entries.

This is a very different type of show than an AKC dog show, where the emphasis is put on competition. At a Zuchtschau each dog is evaluated individually according to the FCI standard for dachshunds #148. The critique of every entry is done aloud, and it is also recorded on a special form. The owner of the dog receives the form with the results of the evaluation. Dogs are given a rating and the three highest ratings are:
Vorzüglich, V (Excellent)
Sehr Gut, SG (Very Good)
Gut, G (Good)

It was a good day for our young males as both of them, Joeri vom Nonnenschlag and Tom vom Linteler-Forst, got a Vorzüglich rating. At the end of show a winner was chosen for every coat type (smooth, longhaired and wirehaired). Our Joeri was the wirehaired winner, and then he was chosen to be the "best in show". The pictures below show show the judge Mlle Agnès de France with winning dachshunds and their owners (many thanks to Ed Wills for the pictures).



Other pictures from the show can be accessed here.

NATC Spring Seminar and Zuchtschau

Dates: Thursday, 28 May through Sunday, 31 May

Zuchtschau Judge: Agnès de France - President of the French Dachshund Club

Presenters (in alphabetical order)
Andy Bensing – Dog trainer, DTK/NATC hunting judge, and President of the United Blood Trackers.
John Jeanneney – Author of Tracking Dogs for Finding Wounded Deer, DTK/NATC hunting judge and founding member of the NATC, Deer Search and United Blood Trackers.
Lisa Kennell - Canine Enforcement Officer, Procurement Officer, Instructor and Course Developer for the US Customs and Border Protection Agency, expert on scent detection and tracking.

Seminar topics will include hunting, canine scent work, blood tracking, obedience, gun steadiness and water retrieval.

Training and testing will be offered for blood tracking, obedience, gun steadiness and water retrieval.

A Zuchtschau (conformation show), where dachshunds can receive written critiques from an FCI judge, will be held on Sunday.

Schedule

May 28-29, (Thursday all-day & Friday AM)
Blood tracking covering the following topics:
• Blood Tracking as a Handler/Dog Team, PowerPoint, John Jeanneney (Techniques of tracking, handling the leash, reading your dog.)
• Laying a Blood Line, Andy Bensing (practice in the woods.)
• Working with Young Puppies, Powerpoint, John Jeanneney
• Intermediate training, 5-8 months, Andy Bensing
• Adolescence, John Jeanneney
• Work Available Dogs on Demo Lines, Andy Bensing and John Jeanneney
• Working with Hunters, PowerPoint, Andy Bensing with John Jeanneney
• Prospects for tracking wounded deer in New Jersey in 2009-10, Rich Wolven

May 29, (Friday PM)-
Scent work, “Understanding and utilizing the dog's olfactory system”, Lisa Kennell

May 30, (Saturday)-
AM: Official DTK/NATC blood tracking tests.

Training and practice for BHP-1 and 2 (German companion dog tests that combine some aspects of the AKC’s obedience and CGC tests)

PM: training & practice for BHP-3 and water retrieval test

May 31, (Sunday)
AM: Official DTK/NATC Zuchtschau (conformation evaluation) by Mme Agnes de France, a DTK conformation & hunting judge and Dachshund breeder

Followed by BHP-1 and 3 tests, water retrieval test, and gunsteadiness test

In addition, there will be evening presentations by Mme de France on hunting in France and on conformation from the FCI point of view. These presentations will most likely be held on Thurs and/or Friday night.

For the registration form e-mail Carrie Hamilton at hamiltce@juno.com

Registration fee per day* -
$40.00 dog and handler team ($30.00 for NATC members)
$25.00 additional dog
$30.00 attendance w/o dog ($20.00 for NATC members)

Registration fee all four days* -
$100.00 dog and handler team ($75.00 for NATC members)
$25.00 additional dog
$75.00 attendance w/o dog ($50.00 for NATC members)

Test and Show fees*:

DTK/NATC 1000 meter Schweiss & Fährtenschuh (blood tracking) test fee is $60.00. Dogs/handlers must meet certain preconditions**. NATC 500 meter test without judges at $30.00 may be offered depending on the number of dogs entered in the 1000 meter tests.

Zuchtschau advance entries: First adult dog $20.00, puppies $15.00, each additional dog/same owner $15.00. Gate entries (day of event): $25.00

Gun steadiness, water test and companion dog test (BHP-1 and BHP-3 will be offered) advance entry is $5.00, $10.00, and $10.00 (for each part), respectively. Gate Entries are $10.00, $20.00 and $20.00, respectively.

* Advance Entry / Closing Date: May 21, 2009 – Register early as space for certain activities may be limited. Registrations will be accepted on the day of the workshop but for anyone training a dog, registration on the day of the workshop or postmarked after the closing date will be charged an additional $25.00.

** Handlers who have already obtained a JGHV/DTK/NATC blood tracking title on one of their dogs may enter other dogs in that test. For novice handlers who have not put a title on a dog, the following are ways to demonstrate that you and your dog have reached a basic level of proficiency: 1) passing an NATC 500 meter test, 2) having a certification for your dog from another acceptable organization such as the United Blood Trackers (UBT) or Deer Search Inc (DSI), and 3) arranging individually for an NATC judge to observe and attest to your dog’s preparedness.

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Location: The seminar and show will be held at Winnebago Scout Reservation, 102 Timberbrook Rd., Rockaway, NJ. Camp phone number is (973) 983-9075

Directions

From Rt. 80 east, take exit 37 (Hibernia/Rockaway). At end of ramp there is a traffic light. Make a left onto Rt. 513, Green Pond Rd. Go 6.5 miles on Green Pond Rd. to Timberbrook Rd. Make a right onto Timberbrook Rd. and go 1.3 miles to camp entrance.

From Rt. 23, take the Green Pond Rd. exit. Take Green Pond Rd. (Rt. 513) 5.1 miles to Timberbrook Rd. Make a left onto Timberbrook Rd. and go 1.3 miles to the camp entrance.

Accommodations

Best Western, (973) 625-1200 or 1281
Rt. 80 and Green Pond Rd. Rockaway, NJ (a.k.a. intersection of Hibernia Rd. and Rt. 80)

Dogs allowed; $25 per dog per night.

One king bed per room, with pull-out couch, $79

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Hampton Inn, Morris Ave, Denville (just off Rt. 80 exit ramp)

No dogs in room except service dogs.

Room prices vary according to day of the week and whether the customer has AAA or AARP:

May 27 Wed. AAA $151.05 + tax, AARP 143.10 + tax, Regular rate $159.00 + tax

May 28 Thurs. AAA $122.55 + tax, AARP $116.10 + tax, Regular rate $129.00 + tax

May 29/30 Fri/Sat AAA $75.05, AARP $71.10 + tax, Regular rate $79.00 + tax

For those that don’t mind more rustic conditions, space can be reserved in one of the camp bunkhouses (bring your own sleeping bag or bedding). Cost to stay in the bunkhouses is $25 a night or $70 to stay for the entire seminar. There is RV parking but no hook-ups. Cost for RVs is $15 a night or $50 to stay for the entire seminar.

Meals: Meals will be available on site at $5 for breakfast and $7 for lunch.