The Schaferhunde News
The German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Kansas City
Founded 1923
Issue - February 2020
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND OFFICERS
2020 Officers
President Chris Kimerer, Vice President Debbie McHenry, Treasurer Mike Kennedy, Rec. Secretary Sally Hamm, Corres. Secy. Amy Edwards
2020 Directors
JoClair Gipe, Bruce Hudson, Chairman, Nancy Kennedy, Pat Robinette, Lynette Stone
Please join us for the annual Bone-Anza at Waggin' Trail Dog Park. For a $5 donation per pooch, your pup will enjoy a goodie bad of organic dog treats, and an opportunity to get a picture with the Easter Bunny, and participate in an Egg Hunt (one for small and large size dogs). There will also be vendors and prizes.
Our club co-sponsors this event with North Kansas City Parks and Recreation and Kansas City Parks. Member Jo Clair Gipe will be chairing this event for the club. Please contact Jo Clair if you are interested in helping.
The German Dog Club of Greater Kansas City is extremely glad and happy to welcome the following new members; John Goebel, Diana Engle, Mark Jansen, and Lacie Lapee.
John and Diana are from Independence, Mo and have a 7-month old puppy. Mark resides in Parkville, Mo. Mark's dog is 7-months old. Lacie lives in Gladstone, Mo and also has a new four-month old pup.
We are delighted to have them as members of our club. Take time to introduce yourself and welcome all of them to our great club.
Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 p.m., General Meeting, North Kansas City Parks & Recreation Center, Macken Park, 1201 Clark Ferguson Drive, North Kansas City, MO, Guest Speaker Russ Osbourne, Program – GSDCA & SV
Saturday, April 4, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., Bone-Anza, Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs at Waggin' Trail Park, NKC, $5.00 donation
Thursday, April 9 – May 21 – 7:00 p.m., Shelter House, Macken Park, NKC, Training – Tails and Treats in the Park
·Tuesday, April 14, 7:00 p.m. General Meeting, North Kansas City Parks & Recreation Center, Macken Park, 1202 Clark Ferguson Drive, North Kansas City, MO, Program – First Aid when your GSD Torsions/Bloats
This Spring the German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Kansas City will be offering dog and puppy training classes.
Dogs must be six months or older and have up to date vaccinations. Seven weeks of instruction provided at $60 per dog. Classes held April 9-May 21, Thursday evenings @7pm-8pm rain or shine. Classes will meet outdoors at Macken Park, 1002 Clark Ferguson Dr, North Kansas City, MO 64116 near the large festival shelter. One handler per dog. Bring water and several small soft chewy treats for your dog. All dogs should be on a well fitted buckle or training collar (no harnesses) and a four/six-foot leather or nylon lead. Handlers should wear comfortable clothes with pockets for treats/toys and appropriate footwear. No discounts. No refunds will be given after the first week of class. Online registration is available through NKC Parks and Recreation. Visit https://bit.ly/39jQ0dA to sign up.
Questions regarding registration: gsdluvr44@yahoo.com.
Dog/handler teams will be taught how to:
Sit, down, and stand on command
Stay and come when called
Walk politely on a leash
The class will also focus on the following home manners:
Grooming and handling, include checking ears, teeth, and feet
Stopping jumping up and nuisance barking
Relinquishing toys, food, and other items at handler’s request
Teaching door respect and “leave it”
For additional information or questions regarding training, contact Debbie McHenry, debbie@gsdcgkc.com.
Article by: APSCA
Spring has sprung, and with the change of season, our thoughts turn to Easter celebrations, spring cleaning and much-needed home improvement projects. Before you embark on seasonal chores or outdoor revelry, take inventory of potential springtime hazards for your furry friends.
*If you suspect your pet may have come in contact with or ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435.
Easter Treats and Decorations
Keep lilies and candy in check—chocolate goodies are toxic to cats and dogs, and all true lilies can be fatal if ingested by cats. And be mindful, kitties love to nibble on colorful plastic grass, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting and dehydration. Moreover, while live bunnies, chicks and other festive animals are adorable, resist the urge to buy them—these cute babies grow up fast and often require specialized care!
Screen Yourself
Many pet parents welcome the breezy days of spring by opening their windows. Unfortunately, they also unknowingly put their pets at risk—especially cats, who are apt to jump or fall through unscreened windows. Be sure to install snug and sturdy screens in all of your windows.
Buckle Up!
While most dogs love to feel the wind on their furry faces, allowing them to ride in the beds of pick-up trucks or stick their heads out of moving-car windows is dangerous. Flying debris and insects can cause inner ear or eye injuries and lung infections, and abrupt stops or turns can cause major injury, or worse! Pets riding in cars should always be secured in a crate or wearing a seatbelt harness designed especially for them.
Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition in many households, but be sure to keep all cleaners and chemicals out of your pets’ way! Almost all cleaning products, even all-natural ones, contain chemicals that may be harmful to pets. The key to using them safely is to read and follow label directions for proper use and storage. Please visit our Poisonous Household Products page for more information.
Home Improvement 101
Products such as paints, mineral spirits and solvents can be toxic to your pets and cause severe irritation or chemical burns. Carefully read all labels to see if the product is safe to use around your furry friends. Also, be cautious of physical hazards, including nails, staples, insulation, blades and power tools. It may be wise to confine your dog or cat to a designated pet-friendly room during home improvement projects.
Let Your Garden Grow—With Care
Pet parents, take care—fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides keep our plants and lawns healthy and green, but their ingredients may be dangerous if your pet ingests them. Always store these products in out-of-the-way places and follow label instructions carefully. Many popular springtime plants—including rhododendron and azaleas—are also highly toxic to pets and can prove fatal if eaten. Check out our full list—of toxic and non-toxic plants for your home and garden.
Ah-Ah-Achoo!
Like us, pets can be allergic to foods, dust, plants and pollens. Allergic reactions in dogs and cats can cause itching, minor sniffling and sneezing, or life-threatening anaphylactic shock to insect bites and stings. If you suspect your pet has a springtime allergy, please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Pesky Little Critters
April showers bring May flowers—and an onslaught of bugs! Make sure your pet is on year-round heartworm preventive medication, as well as a flea and tick control program. Ask your doctor to recommend a plan designed specifically for your pet. Please visit our Fleas and Ticks page for more information.
Out and About
Warmer weather means more trips to the park, longer walks and more chances for your pet to wander off! Make sure your dog or cat has a microchip for identification and wears a tag imprinted with your home address, cell phone and any other relevant contact information.
"Year End Title" certificates are awarded to members in recognition of their involvement and accomplishments with their dogs throughout the year. The intent is to reward club members that participate in AKC &/or GSDCA events.
The club will award a "Year End Title" certificate to any German Shepherd Dog owned or co-owned by a member in good standing of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Kansas City who earns a title or certificate in any American Kennel Club (AKC), German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) or National accredited/licensed event.
The recognition year begins on December 1st and ends on November 25th of the following year. All titles earned after November 25th will be awarded the next recognition year. The deadline for submission of title documentation is November 30th of the current recognition Year. Certificates are awarded at the Awards Presentation Meeting in December.
Submit your accomplishments on the club website under Year-End Certificates as they are received.
The 2020 Heart of America Cluster of shows will be held on March 4 – 8, 2020 at the American Royal Complex grounds in the Hall Arena building. The hosting Cluster clubs for these shows are the Heart of America Kennel Club and the Leavenworth Kennel Club.
The German Shepherd breed will be judged on the following days:
March 5th thru March 8th, 2020
Thursday, Ring #9 @ 8 am
Friday, Ring #6 @ 9 am
Saturday, Ring #8 @ 8 am
Sunday, Ring #8 at 8 am
There is no charge to go and watch the dogs perform in the ring. This is a great opportunity to observe some of the best dogs of our breed. There are also vendors at the show.