TrackWest Newsletter

Nose to the Ground

TrackWest Newsletter – May 2009

2.1 No member’s dog or dogs shall be off lead during official training sessions unless being trained and supervised by an instructor.

2.2 Any member not complying with a Request to place their dog back on lead, by a committee member or instructor, shall be disciplined at the committee’s discretion.

5.1 Members’ dogs are not permitted to chase or harass livestock or wildlife whilst visiting tracking areas.

5.2 Members should ensure that they remove all rubbish and keep tracking areas clean.

5.3 Members to ensure that they provide adequate shade and water for their dogs at all times.

5.4 Members shall take all reasonable steps to maintain cordial relationships with other legitimate users of tracking areas.

6.1 The person authorized by the committee may order the removal from the training session, of any dog or handler whose conduct is objectionable.

6.2 The committee shall be empowered to discipline any handler who willfully interferes with another member’s training, or another member’s dog, or whose behavior is objectionable.

6.3 Any instances related to 6.1 and 6.2 should be reported to the committee in writing, within 7 days of the incident.

Welcome back to all our existing members and a special hello to all those new trackers who have joined our ranks.

For those members who don’t always attend training at Gnangara and therefore maybe unaware that our elected President Lynne Jooste has unfortunately had to resign because of family & personal problems.

Lynne has been our President for the past 3 years and she has bought her beautiful bubbly personality into the position. The club members will I’m sure wish for her the very best as she to adjusts to life with the addition of baby Tracey. We will all miss her lovely smiling face and enthusiasm. Lynne may not come to training but of course we will all catch up with her when she judges on trial days.

I have taken on the position of acting President and Michael Margot has been appointed Vice President. Sue Fletcher has now taken on the position of Training Coordinator. I thank them both for volunteering and look forward to working with all the committee for the remainder of this year.

We as a committee have decided that it is time to simplify the way we conduct our tracking trials and a completely different way in running them will be introduced at our first trial on the 16^th May.

Everyone competing or attending as a tracklayer will provide for themselves. Everyone will bring their own lunches and refreshments. The handlers can decide if they wish to provide for their nominated tracklayer or leave it up them to bring their own provisions. A nice gesture by handlers would be to follow the example of our eastern states trackers. The tracklayer receives a chocolate bar by way of a thank you at the same time the dog is given its reward at the end of a track.

I am of the belief that we are all busy people and the time and expense involved in bringing a plate etc. is not necessary. This way we will cut down on the time the trial takes. People can eat when they wish and leave as soon as presentations have concluded with no cleaning up and packing to be done.

Our stewards who have elected to be part of the stewarding course have begun work on the questionnaires that Honey Gross-Richardson has set for them and all the judges are looking forward to working with them on a practical level in the next week or so and we prepare tracks for the trial on the 16^th May.

Good luck to all members competing and remember new members to put your hand up to lay tracks at the trials when asked. It is the best opportunity you will ever have to really learn what tracking is all about.

Finally there will be a short first aid [mainly concentrating on snake bite procedures] and emergency plans for handlers in need of medical treatment given at morning tea on Saturday 23^rd May.

The Editors Desk

As Lesley mentioned in her report there have been some changes on the Committee. We reluctantly accepted Lynn’s resignation, being a new mum she felt she did not have the time to put her full commitment to being President but we hope she will judge at some trials and bring Tracey up to visit us. I’m sure that we will continue to be in good hands with Lesley as acting President and Michael as Vice President. They say “all good things must come to an end” and that is what is happening with our bbq roast dinners on trial days. Jim and Beth are off traveling so will not be around as much this season it was GREAT while it lasted thank you Jim and Beth.

Jacquie and Michael have come up with a wonderful idea of giving our tracklayers a chance of a financial reward for all their hard work please read article on page 4.

Please check the changes to the calendar – they now include the TSD trial dates.

If anyone who receives this newsletter by mail and would rather get it by email please let me know your email address.

I hope you have all had a great start to the tracking season. It has once again been a very busy time for your secretary with the resignation of the President and Vice President of TrackWest and filling of those roles. Now we have all that behind us the committee has it’s eye firmly on the future and the 11 trials to be held this year.

We have put together a glove box guide with emergency numbers on it, including the closest vet and the closest medical centre to training. Please read this and keep it in your glove box. It won’t do you any good if you need it and it is on your kitchen table!

Remember if you are not already a member of Dogswest (formerly CAWA) you need to be before you consider entering a trial.

Greetings from your Social Co-ordinator!

Calling all members of Trackwest, we are looking

For your suggestions.

This is your club, so if you have a great idea for a “Get Together” please share it!

Coming up: “ Lunch in the Forest”

(details to be advised)

Presentation Dinner….. This year we are looking to

Do something different ….. maybe BBQ in the Park,

Let us know what you think.

Louise

Friendsforlife&@bigpond.com

The season got off to a good start. The shortage of trainers has not discouraged anyone and it is good to see everyone helping each other with their training. Remember all of you have knowledge and experience that you can pass on to less experienced members and there is always someone available to help and answer any questions or help solve problems. The confidence that handlers have in training has been shown in a MASSIVE 26 entries in the first trial of the season on the 16^th May!! GOOD LUCK everyone.

We have 6 new members I’m sure you will all make them feel welcome and “show them the ropes” they are all doing well at training and are gaining confidence and learning the number one rule “TRUST YOUR DOG”

All of our judges have completed a written and practical exam on the new TSD rules and are ready for the 1^st TSD trial on the 19th July.

All the “wrinkles” were ironed out during the practical session and one blond will never forget to attach her lead to the dogs harness ever again.