THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE

As you are reading this we are in the final preparations of the 2025 Puppy Picnic. Remember this is rain or shine at the Lawrenceville Kennel Club's facility. Clinics start at 10 am (you can sign up and pay online at our club's website) and the puppy picnic events start at 11. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

We are reaching out to our members for volunteer opportunities:

• Hospitality Committee - we have had some people volunteer to share the workload. But, we would like to add a few more members to lighten the load. The events include puppy picnic, puppy social in June and September/October, Holiday luncheon, Specialty Saturday night social. LaVada would like to step away as she and her husband have been handling this. She may stay on if we can lighten load.
• Fundraising Committee - We would like to establish a fundraising committee. Again, a handful of members to share ideas and initiate activities would be appreciated. Several of our members have been involved with other clubs and may have ideas they can share.
• Programs/Speakers – this is not so much a committee as it is a request for ideas for programs and/or speakers we can invite to a couple of calls a year. When we were meeting in person, we used to invite one or two speakers a year that were beneficial to the membership on health or care of our cavaliers. With COVID and going to zoom meetings we drifted away from this. We would like to start this back-up in the next several months. Please share and thoughts on programs and/or speakers that would interest you and out membership

Lastly, remember that the Nominating Committee has completed their slate for then new board taking over in May. The April General meeting is when we take nominations from the floor for any position. The only restriction is that the person making the nomination and the person being nominated must be at the meeting.

Thanks

Jim

I hope you enjoy the March newsletter. This month the sports focus will be a continuation of the path after Canine Good Citizen (CGC) - just in time to study up in case you want to test your dog(s) at the Puppy Picnic!

As always, thank you for continuing to provide content for our newsletter. If you have any overall suggestions, would like your kennel to be included in the "What's in a Name" column, have general feedback, and especially if you have brags, please send them to CKCSCAtlantaNewsletter@gmail.com.

Thanks -

Beth Lassiter, Editor

March 23, 2025 – SUNDAY – Annual Puppy Picnic 11 am to 4 am – Lawrenceville KC Training Facility. Health Clinics start 10 am

April 7, 2025 – MONDAY – Board Meeting at 6:30 pm (Zoom) followed by Regular Meeting at 7:30 pm.

Join us on SUNDAY MARCH 23, 2025 for our annual SPRING Puppy Picnic! Fun Contests! Fun Match! Junior Handling Class! AKC Canine Good Citizen/Community Canine Citizen/Trick Dog Testing, Our Fun Balloon Dog Competition, Eye and Heart Clinics, Food, Fun & more!

Where: NEW VENUE RAIN OR SHINE! Lawrenceville Kennel Club Training Facility, 2156 Oakland Industrial Court, Lawrenceville GA. Yes we are INDOORS! There will be a limited amount of chairs available and a restroom available.

Time: 11am to 4pm for regular activities - 10 AM FOR HEALTH CLINIC PARTICIPANTS

Fun Contests are $1 each, Fun Match classes are $5 each, Balloon Dog entry is $5.

The fun match is open to members and non members to have a fun time to show your dog in the ring! Even if you have NEVER shown before or have a cavalier that is "just a pet" (aren't they all??) you can have a fun time and show in the ring!

Ever wondered what it would be like to show? You can have fun and learn here! We will award prizes and ribbons and rosettes!

Have an oldie seven years or older? Show them in the veteran class and vie for Best Veteran!! If you have an AKC major pointed cavalier, you can show them in the Match as "Exhibition Only". You cannot compete for Best in Match; however, we will be judging all the 'Exhibition Only" entries and select the "Best Exhibition Only"!

Fun Match judge is: Mr. David Frederick (Twickenham US)

Fun Match entries are $5 each class entered.

Show off your handling skills as you are judged in our hilarious Balloon Dog competition! Grab your helium balloon dog and strut around the ring in a fun competition.

Entry is $5 (covers cost of balloon dog that you keep).

Have you ever wanted your dog to have a fun party trick? Or maybe work toward earning a Trick Dog title? You're in luck!

Beth Pederson will be teaching a few tricks at the picnic. Your dog will be able to perform at least 1 trick after this session! Beth will also have more information available about the Trick Dog program.

And if your dog already has a repertoire of tricks (or already has their CGC and knows just a few tricks), consider signing up for an evaluation for a Trick Dog title. The Trick Dog Novice checklist can be found here.

We will also be holding heart & eye clinics with board certified specialists. PLEASE NOTE HEALTH CLINICS BEGIN AT 10 AM. Be sure to get here by then as the doctors would like to leave as early as possible.

Dr. Darlene Blischok-Lapekas, DVM - Cardiologist

Dr. Ellen Belknap, DVM - Ophthalmologist

You may sign up and pay online on our website or pay via check or cash at the picnic. Cost is $55 per dog, per clinic.

PAY ONLINE BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW:
https://ckcscatlanta.org/puppy-picnic-health-clinic-online-payment-payment-form

The Nominating Committee has put forward the following slate for the 2024-2025 club officers:

President: Jim Utych

Vice President: Paula Ayers

Secretary: Sharon Utych

Treasurer: Carolyn Powell

Directors: Linda Whitmire, Ashley Powell and LaVada McCosh

Floor nominations will be held at the April regular meeting. The person making the nomination and the person being nominated must be on the zoom meeting call.

Thank you to the committee for their hard work!

Would you like to volunteer and help the club out? We would love to have you consider taking on various roles in the club listed below. Please let Jim Utych know of your interest or any questions you may have!

Hospitality Committee – this includes coordinating the Specialty Saturday Social which is the biggest item! It would include ordering food, set up at host hotel, beverages and paper products. Typical interactions beside the social would be the quarterly puppy socials (bringing paper products, ice and water/tea and cups), Christmas Luncheon set up (if at 5 Paces Inn or venue we set up). You would keep track of club inventory of paper products etc and be provided with a budget to purchase items.

Programs/Speakers – Do you have an idea for a topic or better yet a speaker that would like to speak to the club at one of the zoom meetings on a topic of interest? In the past we have had vet specialists speak regarding SM, CM, nutrition, and holistic approaches. We also have had an animal communicator speak to us on the topic and had an in person grooming seminar. Give us your thoughts, leads and topics!

Fundraising Committee – We would like to have someone as our point person for fundraising – especially this pays for most of our Specialty expenses! You would coordinate raffles with Kathy Knoles Small Dog Club Facebook Fundraising for our club, manage the sponsorships and trophy donations by soliciting via Facebook and email, working with Ashley Powell who does a GREAT job of sourcing items from vendors for our raffle baskets and auctions.

We have so many brags this month to share!! Please help us to celebrate the following members and their accomplishments!!

While we had a great time at Jim & Sharon's home this past year, we are looking for another location to hold the party in 2025. There are a few options under consideration:

• Paces Ferry Inn (assuming we can reserve it)
• someone's house (but would require a host)
• a restaurant's banquet room (something like Magianno's, but this would require a pre-payment and may average approximately $50 per person)

Please follow this link to provide your input (via Survey Monkey).

Did you know that in addition to our website, the club also has a Facebook page AND an Instagram account? These social media accounts are managed by club members Victoria Babcock and Jess Hillman. If you have suggestions for fun posts, etc., please contact them at

victoriaandjessbahill@gmail.com

If you haven’t “liked” our Facebook page, head on over and click the “Like” button!

Our Instagram page is: https://www.instagram.com/CKCS.OF.GREATERATL

Do you know a club member who needs some sunshine?

Our Sunshine Committee Chair is Ashley Powell. If you know of a club member that needs to be remembered or encouraged, please be in touch with Ashley.

Ashley can be reached at ashncav@gmail.com.

Let's assume your dog just passed their Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluation at the Puppy Picnic OR you want to prepare for testing beyond the CGC (also offered at the Puppy Picnic!)

AKC COMMUNITY CANINE (CGCA)

Where CGC happens in a simulated environment, the CGCA test is conducted in real life situations—like walking on a busy sidewalk or through a local park–giving you and your dog the confidence to enjoy everyday to the fullest, no matter what comes your way.

The following skills are tested:

1. Dog stands, sits or lies down and waits under control while the owner...sits at the registration table and fills out paperwork, or if the test is done in the community, dog waits while the owner sits and has a snack or visits with another person (e.g., at a park)
2. Walks on a loose leash in a natural situation (not in a ring) and does not pull. The following are performed: left turn, right turn, stop, and fast and slow pace.
3. Walks on loose leash through a crowd. At a show or in class, this item is tested in a real crowd, not in a ring. In the community, dog walks on sidewalk, through a crowd at a community fair, park, on a trail, through a busy hallway, etc.
4. Dog walks past distraction dogs present; does not pull. This item may be tested along with #3 if there are dogs in the crowd, etc. At a show or class, dog walks by dogs waiting in the crowd–dogs 2 ft. apart. In the community, dog walks by other dogs on a trail, sidewalk, in a hallway, etc.
5. Sit-stay in small group (two other people with dogs, total of 3 people, 3 dogs in group).
6. Dog allows person who is carrying something (backpack, computer bag, etc.) to approach and pet it. “May I pet your dog?” (Item is placed on floor/ground before the person pets the dog)
7. “Leave it.” Dog walks by food and follows owner instructions, “Leave it.” This can be food placed by the evaluator on the floor or ground in a food dish with a wire cover as in Rally.
8. Down or sit stay — distance (owner’s choice). Dog is on 20–ft line, owner walks away with back to dog, picks up an item (e.g., backpack, training bag, clipboard, folder etc.) placed on the floor / chair / ground by the evaluator and returns to the dog.
9. Recall with distractions present (coming when called). Handler goes out 20–ft. **(off center) and calls dog. Dog is on the 20–ft. line from #8 above.
   
10. Dog will sit or stand stay (owner’s choice) while owner enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway. Owner calls dog through door when ready. Owner may also choose to either send the dog through first and have the dog wait for the owner, or the owner may choose to have the dog go through the doorway at the owner’s side. Whichever method is used, the dog must not pull the owner and must be under good control. Think of the handler having the leash in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Doorway or gate can be real or simulated with ring gates, two chairs, or a natural passageway (e.g., entrance to trail) in the community.

A video of the test can be found here.

AKC URBAN CANINE GOOD CITIZENS (CGCU)

AKC Urban CGC requires that the dogs demonstrate CGC skills and beyond in a setting that includes traffic, crowds, noises, smells and other distractions that are present in a city or town. As with Canine Good Citizen, AKC Urban CGC is a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Urban CGC title. This is a title that appears on the dog’s title record at AKC. Note: CGCA is not a pre-requesite for CGCU.

The following skills are tested:

1. Exit/enter doorway with no pulling in dog-friendly buildings. Exit building to start test, additional Public buildings items are below.
2. Walk through a crowd on a busy urban sidewalk. People come toward the dog from 1-ft. away. Tolerate distractions (people wearing hats, coats, men, women, etc).
3. Appropriate reaction to city distractions. This includes movement, noises, and walking on a variety of surfaces. Examples: Noises (horns, sirens, construction noise, etc.), Moving objects (skateboard, bike, carts, person running), Surfaces (concrete, grass, grates, plastic tarp, wet sidewalk)
4. Crossing street: Stop at corner, stand or sit to wait and cross with no pulling (on leash, with owner). Crosses street under control.
5. Ignore food on sidewalk. (Dropped food, or cups, bags, cans, in which food was wrapped).
6. Person walks up and pets the dog. May be carrying an item such as a small dog in a bag, a computer bag, etc. Person does not put the bag down to pet the dog.
7. Public Building (that is dog friendly). Walks under control in building (slick surface, carpeted floor). Down stay (3 min) in lobby or outdoor area, or waits while owner has a meal or snack.
8. Stairs, steps, or elevator under control. Steps (at least 3 – up and down) Elevator (Enters under control, exits, rides under control)
9. Housetrained for apartment, condo, city living. Owner may verify this item. Evaluator may also observe in public buildings, or have observed in training classes.
10. Transportation. Owner’s choice depending on transportation needs. Car (Enters/exits, remains under control during the ride with crate or seatbelt, Subway (Small dog in bag for ride, large dogs are not always permitted; know and abide by the Transit Policies in your area), Dog friendly (enters/exits or allows to be put in/taken out) under control.

If you are unable to make the Puppy Picnic, but would like to be evaluated for the CGC, CGCA, or CGCU, please reach out - we may be able to connect you with testers that are in our club!

Next month we'll look at Trick Dog! If you're attending the Puppy Picnic, we'll get you started with a trick that can be used for the Trick Dog Novice title - we hope to see you there!

The following article, written by Dr. Mary Cope, PhD, has been edited in length to fit this newsletter. The original article can be found in the Whole Dog Journal.

You can calm down dog anxiety, but expecting to calm a dog down instantly is unrealistic.

Anxiety in dogs can occur for various reasons and is typically expressed by excessive panting, pacing, drooling, whining, hiding, or destructive behaviors. Common causes of anxiety include separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, changes in environment or routine, and traumatic experiences.

PHYSICAL STIMULATION

The way to calm a dog naturally is to manage the dog with regular physical exercise. Depending on your dog’s breed, age, and health, taking them on daily walks, runs, play sessions, or training sessions can help burn off excess energy. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Fetch, tug-of-war, and agility exercises are also great options.

MENTAL STIMULATION

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Engage in activities that stimulate both your dog’s body and mind, such as puzzle toys, scent games, hide-and-seek, or learning new tricks.

ESTABLISH A ROUTINE

Dogs thrive on routine, and a lack of structure can contribute to anxiety. Having a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walks, playtime, and rest can help your dog feel more secure and reduce behavioral issues.

CALMING TOOLS

Various products are available to help calm anxious or hyperactive dogs. These products include calming diffusers and collars that use pheromone or scent technology to convey a calming effect on your pet; ThunderShirts, which can help during fireworks or thunderstorms by applying gentle, constant pressure on your dog’s body to calm them; and calming supplements, which can be added to your dog’s diet. Ingredients such as L-theanine, L-tryptophan, magnesium, and some probiotic strains have been shown to promote a reduction in anxiety-related behaviors.

IN CONCLUSION

Hyperactivity and anxiety in dogs are both common issues that many pet owners face, but with patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can help your dog feel more relaxed and secure.

Providing ample exercise, mental stimulation, and a structured environment are key steps in reducing hyperactivity and anxiety. Additionally, using calming products and seeking professional guidance from your veterinarian or a behaviorist can help provide further support. By addressing your dog’s needs, you can help them live a calmer, happier life.

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE QUINOA

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• Pinch of salt

FOR THE HONEY LIME DRESSING:

• Juice of 1 large lime
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint

FOR THE FRUIT:

• 1 1/2 cups blueberries
• 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 1/2 cups chopped mango
• Extra chopped mint, for garnish-optional
• or any fruit combination you desire

DIRECTIONS:

1. Using a strainer, rinse the quinoa under cold water. Add quinoa, water, and salt to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Let the quinoa cool to room temperature.
2. To make the Honey Lime Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk the lime juice, honey, and mint together until combined.
3. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, blueberries, strawberries, and mango. Pour honey lime dressing over the fruit salad and mix until well combined. Garnish with additional mint, if desired. Serve at room temperature for your dog or chilled for your humans.

CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB OF GREATER ATLANTA

www.ckcscatlanta.org

Beth Lassiter, editor

CKCSCAtlantaNewsletter@gmail.com