To the 400 + members who choose not to vote.
What were your reasons?
How could we have made a difference?
Did you vote for the by-law changes
if you are reluctant to voice your opinion here please email me privately
Thank you
J N-R
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
commitment to AAC members
It is Dec 23rd and the new board starts in 9 days.
I would like to thank everyone who voted in this election.
The members were loud and clear at the need for more communication. I think I can guarantee that this will happen from every provincial rep as well as the executive directors.
We have not had the results of the by-law vote yet so the description of the recording/secretary duties may change radically.
That being said the reason I wanted to stand for this position was to ensure that the communication with the members was a priority of the AAC. Regardless of the outcome of the by-law vote I look forward to working with all the Directors, Heather Taylor our FSO and Blanche Cooper our AAC Administrator.
I am committed to providing the members with individual voice on this blog.
I understand that many are reluctant to post and give their opinion publicly. Please email any ideas, questions, and grievances that you have to your rep as well as myself.
I will post your idea or suggestion on my blog without using your name etc. Let others see and comment on your ideas.
Below recent suggestions I have received from members.
BoD agenda sent to all members prior to BoD meetings
The tallying of the votes for the proposed amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws should have been carried out by volunteers from the general membership, and not by two people so closely connected to the Executive that was in office at the time of the vote.
I am concerned about the lack of specifications for jumps and jump standards in the AAC rulebook.
Have just been watching the Spruce Meadows Speed Jumping Equestrian event. Came up another idea for running the Nationals. Instead of changing the yps calcs for the sct, make the Standard and the jumpers a time plus faults competition. Keep the two rounds of each.
I would like to suggest that instead of stipulating exactly which games are required for the ATCh, that handlers be allowed to earn the necessary Q's in ANY three Games.
Bring back the Real Team Runs, baton exchange, reduce the cost, and bring back Team as an Optional Game requirement for the ATCH. Team has training skills too. Let our dogs shine in the areas that they excel, rather than penalize them for having a little difficulty with a compulsory Game requirement.
I can suck it up when my small dog has to run a large dog type course, and would surely appreciate courses designed for small dogs. Certainly makes for more challenges, and less running between the obstacles. Great idea! [This in reference to suggestion I made regarding small and large dog courses at the Nationals and Regional levels.]
To motivate handlers to go for speed, I think there should be yps statistics kept for the Challenge class. There could be two types of recognition.[on the AAC stat list]
The Speed category would be the fastest average yps of the Q’ing runs - no distinction for Vet, Special or Regular or jump height, just as all the other stats are now kept.
Many others have been expressed on the Bark list and include but not limited to:
Members only site on the web site
BoD minutes to be sent to all members either by email, on member’s only web site or by snail mail.
Many others that you can view and comment on at Rob Chipman’s blog , http://theaacblog.robchipman.net/?p=1 including blogs by Rob Struthers, and Seanna O’Neil
Send your comments on how you feel about all the suggestions and your ideas and I will post them here for others to consider and respond.
Jane
willieone@sympatico.ca
I would like to thank everyone who voted in this election.
The members were loud and clear at the need for more communication. I think I can guarantee that this will happen from every provincial rep as well as the executive directors.
We have not had the results of the by-law vote yet so the description of the recording/secretary duties may change radically.
That being said the reason I wanted to stand for this position was to ensure that the communication with the members was a priority of the AAC. Regardless of the outcome of the by-law vote I look forward to working with all the Directors, Heather Taylor our FSO and Blanche Cooper our AAC Administrator.
I am committed to providing the members with individual voice on this blog.
I understand that many are reluctant to post and give their opinion publicly. Please email any ideas, questions, and grievances that you have to your rep as well as myself.
I will post your idea or suggestion on my blog without using your name etc. Let others see and comment on your ideas.
Below recent suggestions I have received from members.
BoD agenda sent to all members prior to BoD meetings
The tallying of the votes for the proposed amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws should have been carried out by volunteers from the general membership, and not by two people so closely connected to the Executive that was in office at the time of the vote.
I am concerned about the lack of specifications for jumps and jump standards in the AAC rulebook.
Have just been watching the Spruce Meadows Speed Jumping Equestrian event. Came up another idea for running the Nationals. Instead of changing the yps calcs for the sct, make the Standard and the jumpers a time plus faults competition. Keep the two rounds of each.
I would like to suggest that instead of stipulating exactly which games are required for the ATCh, that handlers be allowed to earn the necessary Q's in ANY three Games.
Bring back the Real Team Runs, baton exchange, reduce the cost, and bring back Team as an Optional Game requirement for the ATCH. Team has training skills too. Let our dogs shine in the areas that they excel, rather than penalize them for having a little difficulty with a compulsory Game requirement.
I can suck it up when my small dog has to run a large dog type course, and would surely appreciate courses designed for small dogs. Certainly makes for more challenges, and less running between the obstacles. Great idea! [This in reference to suggestion I made regarding small and large dog courses at the Nationals and Regional levels.]
To motivate handlers to go for speed, I think there should be yps statistics kept for the Challenge class. There could be two types of recognition.[on the AAC stat list]
The Speed category would be the fastest average yps of the Q’ing runs - no distinction for Vet, Special or Regular or jump height, just as all the other stats are now kept.
Many others have been expressed on the Bark list and include but not limited to:
Members only site on the web site
BoD minutes to be sent to all members either by email, on member’s only web site or by snail mail.
Many others that you can view and comment on at Rob Chipman’s blog , http://theaacblog.robchipman.net/?p=1 including blogs by Rob Struthers, and Seanna O’Neil
Send your comments on how you feel about all the suggestions and your ideas and I will post them here for others to consider and respond.
Jane
willieone@sympatico.ca
Friday, December 18, 2009
Sara 2005
I am making attempts to re-write Sara’s story to help me through the pain of somehow failing after years of trying to help her. I hope it will also help others who have had to make a similar decision and who, like me, feel the guilt of failing a much-loved friend.
Here is Sara’s story
I brought Sara home when she was 1 year old, part Flatcoat/Spaniel/BC. She was to be my agility dog. They had warned me at the Humane Society that she would take some time to rehabilitate. I was willing to try.
They found her tied to a tree. Her owners moved and left her behind. After all she was no longer a cute puppy but had grown into a hyperactive out of control dog. It was simpler to tie her to the tree and drive away. So they did.
She suffered from extreme separation anxiety. Clawing through the walls or franticly digging in the garden. She abused me, drawing blood by grabbing hold of my arms to prevent me from leaving or going anywhere. She was not biting me she was holding onto me like a child clinging to mother’s skirt. The injuries to my hands and arms went on for months. When you watched her you understood she was desperate and could not control what she is doing. She literally glued herself to me.
Walking Sara was impossible. If any person/dog/squirrel came within one hundred yards she would lung into her leash strain against the collar and scream with an ear-piercing scream that would not let up and could in fact go on for an hour. After a month I gave up saying "too bad" and taking her home. I decided to continue down the street despite the screaming. I persevered and went to the end of the block where the high school busses unloaded the students. Initially I started at 200 yds away from the busses. C/t for looking at me and or the students without screaming. Asking for complete control no movement not a wagging tail or a hair on her body c/t move 6" closer and 6"closer and 6" closer. Working towards self-control. After several weeks we were able to stand by the bus doors and have the students unload around her. Wonderful we were now able to go for walks as long as we did not meet any cats/dogs/squirrels. When people approached she would sit but wiggle uncontrollably until she was tight against that person’s leg. We tried outdoor obedience classes, but were never able to join the group. We spent our time retreating back to the car when the old screaming behaviour re-appeared as we approached the group of dogs. Eventually we were asked to stop bringing her.
I tried Ruff Love by Susan Garret; she tore her dew claws off while franticly trying to escape the confinement. Jumped through a screened widow one day when I left for work.
Agility was going be the answer to her problem. We began our agility training in the back yard and alone at the club. Winter in Canada is cold and so was the barn where we practiced everyday. I tied her too me while I set up sequences.
We began with one jump c/t "go play". At first she would tear around the barn, frantically running zoomies until exhausted. I waited until she returned to my side c/t and we started with one jump again. Then one day after several weeks and after releasing her "to go play" she started off but stopped, turned and looked hard at me returned and sat beside me. This was our beginning. She had decided that it was more fun to play with Mum. Sara was now 2
Subsequently, several days/weeks/months later we graduated to 2 jumps three, four, tunnels weaves [she learned to weave in a week], front crosses, back crosses, Reverse flow pivots, serpentines, pinwheels, box work everything except 2o2o contacts which I felt would be stressing. Sara was on her way. Her behaviour at home improved, although she still clawed at the walls when I was gone. I felt we were ready for a class situation.
Our first venture was with my own students. All knew the situation and all co-operated. Dogs were to stay well outside the fence and Sara and I would work the course. Her "sit stay" was remarkable but once I gave her release word she would run over to the fence screaming at the closest dog. She seemed satisfied with this and would return to me. Again I decided one jump c/t and eventually we were able to work a full course with other dogs outside the fence. Sara was nearing 3
Encouraged we attended our first fun trial. I tied her to me and we ran the course c/t all the way but without taking the elements. Good. She seemed focused. By the third run she was off leash and sat at the beginning and ran the course with several dogs close at hand. Success at last or so we thought. While waiting for our fourth run one dog ran over towards her and we were back to the beginning. We struggled through the summer and although Sara was able to run her courses she could do so only when dogs she knew were near her. Sara was 3
She was now at the Advance level. We started taking lessons with 5 new dogs. While the other dogs ran their sequence Sara and I did healing and playing exercises at the end of the barn. For our turn the other handlers left the fenced area, after time we eventually graduated to where they were inside the fence but if any new person/dog comes within 100 yds she starts her old behaviour.
I decide to take her to fun trail that was completely fenced. This time we would not be able to ask all 40 dogs to leave the area.
After consultation with our Vet we decided to try the drug Amitriptyline and also TTtouch. One month of this therapy we were ready for our first fun trial. It was a partial success, with only a few dogs present she was able to run her course. I felt we were on our way. Sara was now 4.
Then one day at class a new dog joined us. I suggested that while Sara ran her course she take her dog outside the fence until she felt confident around them. Both the handler and the instructor felt she would be fine. So I put her in a sit stay walked out to my Lead Out position gave her the release word and she ran like lightning screaming the entire way slammed into the poor dog’s face and than just as quickly returned to me to start her course. Broken hearted I took her home knowing we would never be able to trial.
There were 2 other dogs at home. An older hound that ignored her and a year old BC who annoyed her. She was not aggressive with either dog but did charge at the puppy for no apparent reason.
Below is the list of behaviours she exhibited that I had listed for my Vet.
More recent behaviour noticed at home
Lots of licking lips.
Panting more than usual
Soiling rug while I am gone for short time. It does not matter if puppy is home in his cage or with me at agility.
Massive and constant shedding
Sitting at my side, following me everywhere I go.
Needs to rest on top of me.
Won’t go outside unless I do.
Will prevent puppy from getting close to me.
Will play for short time only.
Takes her toy to her cage and plays with it there.
Can’t take her eyes of me unless I am working on computer in which case she is watching out the window.
She is trying to control herself when dogs go by the house. She whines looks at me but unless I have a treat will go bananas.
Puppy is watchful and is starting to imitate this behaviour.
Questions
Suggestions from a behaviour evaluator who recommends Bach flower Essences as well as the following:
Have a thyroid panel done on her
Have a full chemical panel so we get a good idea how her body functions are working. A compromised physical body will limit the progress you can make as physical conditions often are contributing factors to behavioural problems.
Consider Bach Flower Essences
Is there reason to believe that this behaviour will improve?
Is there reason to believe that it will worsen?
Would you have any other proposal we should consider?
My Veterinarian agreed to do tests if I wanted to. He explained that in his opinion the test would not show thyroid or chemical problems. He gently explained that for 4 years we had tried to help Sara and that in his opinion we had done all we could for her. He felt that she had suffered enough anxieties and that we would be kinder to give her the peace she so deserved.
Sara left us on Thursday Feb 9th 2006 . We could do no more
I have not read this for several months. Originally I thought it might help me with closure. There is no closure. After 3 years my pain is still with me.
I am making attempts to re-write Sara’s story to help me through the pain of somehow failing after years of trying to help her. I hope it will also help others who have had to make a similar decision and who, like me, feel the guilt of failing a much-loved friend.
Here is Sara’s story
I brought Sara home when she was 1 year old, part Flatcoat/Spaniel/BC. She was to be my agility dog. They had warned me at the Humane Society that she would take some time to rehabilitate. I was willing to try.
They found her tied to a tree. Her owners moved and left her behind. After all she was no longer a cute puppy but had grown into a hyperactive out of control dog. It was simpler to tie her to the tree and drive away. So they did.
She suffered from extreme separation anxiety. Clawing through the walls or franticly digging in the garden. She abused me, drawing blood by grabbing hold of my arms to prevent me from leaving or going anywhere. She was not biting me she was holding onto me like a child clinging to mother’s skirt. The injuries to my hands and arms went on for months. When you watched her you understood she was desperate and could not control what she is doing. She literally glued herself to me.
Walking Sara was impossible. If any person/dog/squirrel came within one hundred yards she would lung into her leash strain against the collar and scream with an ear-piercing scream that would not let up and could in fact go on for an hour. After a month I gave up saying "too bad" and taking her home. I decided to continue down the street despite the screaming. I persevered and went to the end of the block where the high school busses unloaded the students. Initially I started at 200 yds away from the busses. C/t for looking at me and or the students without screaming. Asking for complete control no movement not a wagging tail or a hair on her body c/t move 6" closer and 6"closer and 6" closer. Working towards self-control. After several weeks we were able to stand by the bus doors and have the students unload around her. Wonderful we were now able to go for walks as long as we did not meet any cats/dogs/squirrels. When people approached she would sit but wiggle uncontrollably until she was tight against that person’s leg. We tried outdoor obedience classes, but were never able to join the group. We spent our time retreating back to the car when the old screaming behaviour re-appeared as we approached the group of dogs. Eventually we were asked to stop bringing her.
I tried Ruff Love by Susan Garret; she tore her dew claws off while franticly trying to escape the confinement. Jumped through a screened widow one day when I left for work.
Agility was going be the answer to her problem. We began our agility training in the back yard and alone at the club. Winter in Canada is cold and so was the barn where we practiced everyday. I tied her too me while I set up sequences.
We began with one jump c/t "go play". At first she would tear around the barn, frantically running zoomies until exhausted. I waited until she returned to my side c/t and we started with one jump again. Then one day after several weeks and after releasing her "to go play" she started off but stopped, turned and looked hard at me returned and sat beside me. This was our beginning. She had decided that it was more fun to play with Mum. Sara was now 2
Subsequently, several days/weeks/months later we graduated to 2 jumps three, four, tunnels weaves [she learned to weave in a week], front crosses, back crosses, Reverse flow pivots, serpentines, pinwheels, box work everything except 2o2o contacts which I felt would be stressing. Sara was on her way. Her behaviour at home improved, although she still clawed at the walls when I was gone. I felt we were ready for a class situation.
Our first venture was with my own students. All knew the situation and all co-operated. Dogs were to stay well outside the fence and Sara and I would work the course. Her "sit stay" was remarkable but once I gave her release word she would run over to the fence screaming at the closest dog. She seemed satisfied with this and would return to me. Again I decided one jump c/t and eventually we were able to work a full course with other dogs outside the fence. Sara was nearing 3
Encouraged we attended our first fun trial. I tied her to me and we ran the course c/t all the way but without taking the elements. Good. She seemed focused. By the third run she was off leash and sat at the beginning and ran the course with several dogs close at hand. Success at last or so we thought. While waiting for our fourth run one dog ran over towards her and we were back to the beginning. We struggled through the summer and although Sara was able to run her courses she could do so only when dogs she knew were near her. Sara was 3
She was now at the Advance level. We started taking lessons with 5 new dogs. While the other dogs ran their sequence Sara and I did healing and playing exercises at the end of the barn. For our turn the other handlers left the fenced area, after time we eventually graduated to where they were inside the fence but if any new person/dog comes within 100 yds she starts her old behaviour.
I decide to take her to fun trail that was completely fenced. This time we would not be able to ask all 40 dogs to leave the area.
After consultation with our Vet we decided to try the drug Amitriptyline and also TTtouch. One month of this therapy we were ready for our first fun trial. It was a partial success, with only a few dogs present she was able to run her course. I felt we were on our way. Sara was now 4.
Then one day at class a new dog joined us. I suggested that while Sara ran her course she take her dog outside the fence until she felt confident around them. Both the handler and the instructor felt she would be fine. So I put her in a sit stay walked out to my Lead Out position gave her the release word and she ran like lightning screaming the entire way slammed into the poor dog’s face and than just as quickly returned to me to start her course. Broken hearted I took her home knowing we would never be able to trial.
There were 2 other dogs at home. An older hound that ignored her and a year old BC who annoyed her. She was not aggressive with either dog but did charge at the puppy for no apparent reason.
Below is the list of behaviours she exhibited that I had listed for my Vet.
More recent behaviour noticed at home
Lots of licking lips.
Panting more than usual
Soiling rug while I am gone for short time. It does not matter if puppy is home in his cage or with me at agility.
Massive and constant shedding
Sitting at my side, following me everywhere I go.
Needs to rest on top of me.
Won’t go outside unless I do.
Will prevent puppy from getting close to me.
Will play for short time only.
Takes her toy to her cage and plays with it there.
Can’t take her eyes of me unless I am working on computer in which case she is watching out the window.
She is trying to control herself when dogs go by the house. She whines looks at me but unless I have a treat will go bananas.
Puppy is watchful and is starting to imitate this behaviour.
Questions
Suggestions from a behaviour evaluator who recommends Bach flower Essences as well as the following:
Have a thyroid panel done on her
Have a full chemical panel so we get a good idea how her body functions are working. A compromised physical body will limit the progress you can make as physical conditions often are contributing factors to behavioural problems.
Consider Bach Flower Essences
Is there reason to believe that this behaviour will improve?
Is there reason to believe that it will worsen?
Would you have any other proposal we should consider?
My Veterinarian agreed to do tests if I wanted to. He explained that in his opinion the test would not show thyroid or chemical problems. He gently explained that for 4 years we had tried to help Sara and that in his opinion we had done all we could for her. He felt that she had suffered enough anxieties and that we would be kinder to give her the peace she so deserved.
Sara left us on Thursday Feb 9th 2006 . We could do no more
I have not read this for several months. Originally I thought it might help me with closure. There is no closure. After 3 years my pain is still with me.
Monday, December 14, 2009
challenge class
although we are running the same comments on Rob's blog I would like to copy my comments here. I do hope that many of you respond with your suggestions and comments. The AAC is a great place to play and is proud to be all inclusive. With this in mind lets take the necessary steps forward to be just that.
J N-R
below as posted on Rob's blog site
Time + faults could work and still give everyone a chance to Q.
I am all for going for the gusto and love running on the edge and I want to RUN CLEAN. I am torn between awarding or not awarding faults.
That being said I do think that time + allows those who are riding on the edge the encouragement to continue pushing the envelop. As we learn how to handle these courses the clean runs will come.
It is very discouraging to knock a bar while running a course in 5+ yps and not Q, while others running clean at 3 yps are rewarded with the Q.
As Barry questioned, how do we balance the need for greater standards with increased yps against the needs of the agility community as a whole?
This class is to help develop and encourage teams for international competition. Give them a taste of running on the edge and feel the thrill of a great run.
Our goals are long term. Will this class develop internationals competitors this year or next? In my lifetime? I doubt it. It takes years to develop world class athletes, but if we do not provide the vehicle to train on now will we ever be able to consider the AAC a world class venue and truly meet the objectives of the AAC?
Jane
J N-R
below as posted on Rob's blog site
Time + faults could work and still give everyone a chance to Q.
I am all for going for the gusto and love running on the edge and I want to RUN CLEAN. I am torn between awarding or not awarding faults.
That being said I do think that time + allows those who are riding on the edge the encouragement to continue pushing the envelop. As we learn how to handle these courses the clean runs will come.
It is very discouraging to knock a bar while running a course in 5+ yps and not Q, while others running clean at 3 yps are rewarded with the Q.
As Barry questioned, how do we balance the need for greater standards with increased yps against the needs of the agility community as a whole?
This class is to help develop and encourage teams for international competition. Give them a taste of running on the edge and feel the thrill of a great run.
Our goals are long term. Will this class develop internationals competitors this year or next? In my lifetime? I doubt it. It takes years to develop world class athletes, but if we do not provide the vehicle to train on now will we ever be able to consider the AAC a world class venue and truly meet the objectives of the AAC?
Jane
Sunday, December 13, 2009
It has long been a desire of mine to see the AAC begin to take the Association to a higher level.
The challenge class was a good idea that IMO has failed. Why?? Perhaps by trying to keep the class all inclusive for all members the rules were set that in fact penalized the BTTW competitor. quote
"AAC Board Meeting HighlightsNovember 14 – 16, 2008
More ChallengeThe Board is excited to introduce to the AAC mix a new game that recognizes competitors' calls for increased variety and challenge in course design, more emphasis on "on-the-day" competition and a serious nod to the sorts of handling technicalities seen in international competition. "
After the first challenge I ran it became apparent that it is impossible to design a challenging course for a slower dog. As a result many dogs were achieving a Q who were running clean in less than 3 yps.
BTTW? I think not. Inclusive?
7 of the top AAC Master, Master Challenge dogs listed on the AAC site for 2009 that I know are either running specials or veterans. Only 1 dog is running regular. Please note there are 4 dogs listed I do not know.
Does this encourage handling techniques as seen in international competition?
What went wrong? Is it time to revisit this class? How do we improve the international experience? Would time + faults be acceptable? Should we increase the yps? Should we be looking for other possibilities? [Power and Speed? Time, Fault and Out? http://www.ukagility.com/Classes.aspx]
More importantly and acknowledging the need for clubs to make ends meet how do we encourage clubs to offer this class?
The last trial I attended had 10 master standard, 4 jumpers, 4 snooker, 4 gambler, 7 steeplechase and 1 team. No challenge class was offered. Their January trial is the same.
Are the majority of handlers more interested in achieving their Lifetime titles than in accepting the formidable task of achieving a Challenge Q?
Life Time is a wonderful achievement and well noted on the AAC Hall of Fame.[both members and non-members] However, this is the only acknowledgement of the achievements of AAC members. Where is the Hall of Fame for our National Champions? Or where is the Hall of Fame for our World team members? Are they not as deserving? Is this inclusive?
Please keep in mind that I fully support the achievements of the weekend warrior, they are the backbone of the AAC.
We need support those who challenge themselves and take the sport to a higher level. Where do our world class teams trial? Canada??? USA????? Whose responsibility is to encourage this group? The AAC? The Members? The Clubs? Or all of us? Are there sacrifices to be made? Are we willing to make those sacrifices? Are the sacrifices worth the growth of the sport? Has the Q become the be all and end all? Do we acknowledge and reward our world class athletes ? Do we provide the necessary challenges to develop top athletes? If the answer is no are we then truly "inclusive"? Does inclusive mean we must set our standards so that everyone can participate and Q in all classes sanctioned by the AAC?
Quote intro on AAC web site
The AAC, founded in 1988, is committed to promoting inclusive, competitive dog agility at a local, regional, national and international level, for all handlers and dogs without regard to pedigree.
Below is the site to a letter written by Greg Derrett to the UK members. I think it is well worth reading.
http://www.ukagility.com/Downloads/Opinion.doc
Monday, October 19, 2009
answering Sophies questions from the bark list
what are your goals?* visions?* changes?* communication?* any thoughts on policies?* committees?* what is your background? a little about you?* why you?
As Corresponding/Recording Secretary
1. Primary goal to re-establish ongoing communication with all members, by e-mail, members only site on the web, and or snail mail.
a] encourage regional directors to hold member meetings in their region prior to the AGM
b] to uphold all the duties as required by the position as stated in the AAC by-laws and listed on the AAC web site.
c] prepare agenda from information given to me by regional directors and or members.
In addition
2. to establish the goals presented by the previous board with regard to the by-laws changes as voted by members.
a] to establish a by-law committee to examine all the by-laws and to recommend to the members any need to update.
3. Visions for AAC trials upon approval by members
a] recognize, encourage and support both the weekend warriors and the BTTW handlers.
b] encourage membership by all handlers.
c] to appoint a committee to establish standards for all equipment. [with grandfather clause accepting what has been approved]
d] to provide judges with a standard form to report on the condition of equipment at all trials they attend. Such reports to be given after each trial they judge. Clubs would be able to keep their equipment updated annually rather than incurring greater expenses by only updating every 5 years
e] to consider cheaper entry fees for AAC members at all trials not just the national and regional championships.
f] establish a permanent committee to assist clubs with both the regional and national trials.
g] that the regional and the national championships provide separate courses for small and large dogs. [National entries show that 6 rings would still be required as Reg, Special and Vets would grouped together in their height groups]
h] that the yps at the National championships be at the Maximum yps as required by the class in the AAC rules.
i] national and regional awards presented to the over all jumper/gamble/standard champion in each division.
4. vision for International teams
a] establish a committee committed to encouraging IFCS hopefuls. Such committee to be headed by someone who has international experience.
b] establish seminars with internationals judges who are qualified to set courses and judge world championships for AAC judges.
c] hold IFCS tryouts across the country to include Standard, Jumpers, Snooker and Gamble runs
d] establish an ongoing fund raising committee
e] A grant or scholarship for our Junior handlers to attend seminars with international facilitators. Such a grant would also help to cover parent expenses.
5. why me?
a] I listen, I care and I am not all about me
b] I want to see a strong AAC that is recognized world over as an organization that supports, encourages and encompasses all agility enthusiasts from the weekend warrior, the BTTW and most importantly the juniors who will be running this game long after we are gone. Lets leave them with a strong organization.
6. Back ground
a] http://www.janenewmanralph.blogspot.com/
b] I started agility 10+ ?? years ago in Ottawa with Cecilia and Del Hersey, with my first agility dog Willie, a hound who enjoyed the sport but would rather follow his nose. He passed away this year of cancer.
c] My second agility dog Sara was a rescue I trained for 5 years and who loved everything about agility, was fast and lived to play the game. Sara was disturbed and unable to curb her need to dominate all dogs. As a result I did not trial her. She was only happy when with me and suffered extreme anxiety when left at home. She passed away in 2006
d] My present dog is JT. He is a 5 year old Border Collie who loves to run BTTW. The joy in running with him is indescribable.
e] I taught agility in Kingston Ontario for 4 years {retiring in 2004}. My students have gone on to establish their own clubs and are now holding AAC trials here in the Kingston area.
I hope this answers everyones questions
Everyone please free to contact me through my blog or at my email address
willieone@sympatico.ca
what are your goals?* visions?* changes?* communication?* any thoughts on policies?* committees?* what is your background? a little about you?* why you?
As Corresponding/Recording Secretary
1. Primary goal to re-establish ongoing communication with all members, by e-mail, members only site on the web, and or snail mail.
a] encourage regional directors to hold member meetings in their region prior to the AGM
b] to uphold all the duties as required by the position as stated in the AAC by-laws and listed on the AAC web site.
c] prepare agenda from information given to me by regional directors and or members.
In addition
2. to establish the goals presented by the previous board with regard to the by-laws changes as voted by members.
a] to establish a by-law committee to examine all the by-laws and to recommend to the members any need to update.
3. Visions for AAC trials upon approval by members
a] recognize, encourage and support both the weekend warriors and the BTTW handlers.
b] encourage membership by all handlers.
c] to appoint a committee to establish standards for all equipment. [with grandfather clause accepting what has been approved]
d] to provide judges with a standard form to report on the condition of equipment at all trials they attend. Such reports to be given after each trial they judge. Clubs would be able to keep their equipment updated annually rather than incurring greater expenses by only updating every 5 years
e] to consider cheaper entry fees for AAC members at all trials not just the national and regional championships.
f] establish a permanent committee to assist clubs with both the regional and national trials.
g] that the regional and the national championships provide separate courses for small and large dogs. [National entries show that 6 rings would still be required as Reg, Special and Vets would grouped together in their height groups]
h] that the yps at the National championships be at the Maximum yps as required by the class in the AAC rules.
i] national and regional awards presented to the over all jumper/gamble/standard champion in each division.
4. vision for International teams
a] establish a committee committed to encouraging IFCS hopefuls. Such committee to be headed by someone who has international experience.
b] establish seminars with internationals judges who are qualified to set courses and judge world championships for AAC judges.
c] hold IFCS tryouts across the country to include Standard, Jumpers, Snooker and Gamble runs
d] establish an ongoing fund raising committee
e] A grant or scholarship for our Junior handlers to attend seminars with international facilitators. Such a grant would also help to cover parent expenses.
5. why me?
a] I listen, I care and I am not all about me
b] I want to see a strong AAC that is recognized world over as an organization that supports, encourages and encompasses all agility enthusiasts from the weekend warrior, the BTTW and most importantly the juniors who will be running this game long after we are gone. Lets leave them with a strong organization.
6. Back ground
a] http://www.janenewmanralph.blogspot.com/
b] I started agility 10+ ?? years ago in Ottawa with Cecilia and Del Hersey, with my first agility dog Willie, a hound who enjoyed the sport but would rather follow his nose. He passed away this year of cancer.
c] My second agility dog Sara was a rescue I trained for 5 years and who loved everything about agility, was fast and lived to play the game. Sara was disturbed and unable to curb her need to dominate all dogs. As a result I did not trial her. She was only happy when with me and suffered extreme anxiety when left at home. She passed away in 2006
d] My present dog is JT. He is a 5 year old Border Collie who loves to run BTTW. The joy in running with him is indescribable.
e] I taught agility in Kingston Ontario for 4 years {retiring in 2004}. My students have gone on to establish their own clubs and are now holding AAC trials here in the Kingston area.
I hope this answers everyones questions
Everyone please free to contact me through my blog or at my email address
willieone@sympatico.ca
Monday, October 5, 2009
My intent is to keep the members informed as stated in the by-laws. To encourage communication between the members and the BoD. To put in place a section of the AAC web site for members only. To encourage members to bring their concerns to the BoD and to have those concerns placed on the agenda to the BoD and to provide the members the results through the newsletter to members as stated in the by-laws.
Jane
Jane
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