Large Munsterlander 30th Anniversary Gathering
This webpage was mounted on June 15, 2007 and last updated on July 22, 2007
Approximately 60 LM owners and 100 LMs gathered at the Major Avenue Hunt Club grounds from Thursday June 7 through Sunday June 10. Dogs from at least 20 of the 35 currently active kennels were in attendance. Members attended from as far as Massachusetts, Kentucky, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Utah, and Saskatchewan.
We were honored to have Karl and Ingrid Wichmann, Rainer and Sonja Altvatter, annd Thomas Schaefer from Germany for the entire test. "Horrido!"
Events
Thursday, June 7
A very infomative Reproduction Seminar was given by Francis Smith, DVM, PhD from 9 to 11 AM in the clubhouse. Approximately 20 people were in attendance. There was ample opportunity for questions and discussion. Artificial insemination using frozen or chilled semen was covered first. Discussions about the importance of testing for brucellosis and the advisability of a semen check occurred. Dr. Smith also covered the importance of the correct timing of breeding and suggested progesterone testing of a blood sample as the best way to determine this. Frequency of mating and its effects on litter size were mentioned. An excellent discussion of whelping followed. Determination of the timing based on rectal temperatures was recommended. Litters of under two pups are the most likely to be termed "high risk", with very large litters also considered an above average risk. Caesarian section was discussed. Dr. Smith said that if one considers an all breed average, approximately 30% of pups die by weaning. The LM must be comparatively healthy, as we'd experienced only 13% loss in 41 litters from 2004-06.
On Thursday afternoon about 30 people attended a seminar on the Use of Electronic Collars by pro trainer Ed Erickson, on the lawn. Ed Erickson's seminar reinforced dog training basics and provided insights as to how an e-collar can be applied to achieve desired outcomes. Perhaps the most important lesson was that the e-collar can be very effective at pain-free stimulation levels. Using a dog, Ed showed participants how to adjust the e-collar from an unnoticeable level of stimulation to an effective "irritant" level. He then had a human volunteer in the audience feel the level of shock. The volunteer confirmed very minimal stimulation and reported no pain with continuous clicks. Despite common perception, Ed clearly demonstrated that this method of training is humane. From there, Ed demonstrated how to use the e-collar to teach the "come," "whoa," and "hold," commands. He emphasized that the e-collar, when properly used, provides complete control so that your pup doesn't have the ability to make mistakes without a clear correction. This higher level of control and consistency provides the pup with a consistent message and, therefore, a shorter training period. When asked if he ever used the collar at higher painful levels of stimulation, he said he would not hesitate to use higher levels to stop deer chasing or to prevent behaviors that may result in harm to the dog. Overall, participants found the seminar informative and helpful.
For those inclined to work with their dogs, there was the chance to work chukars and pheasants in the area or used live ducks in the ponds there. Some members also worked their dogs on planted birds on the land of Mike and Sherri Urban, organized by Alan Kaplan. This allowed members to see each other's LMs work in field conditions.
Friday, June 8
One of the highlights of the reunion was the chance to see the 24 females and 17 males who were put forward for conformation evaluation. The females were assessed in the morning and the males in the afternoon. This Conformation Evaluation was lead by Karl Wichmann, President of the Verband Grosse Münsterländer of Germany. He was assisted by Rainer Altvatter and Thomas Schaefer. Large Munsterlander Breed Warden Joe Schmutz also assisted and tried to provide translation to the group of "apprentice evaluators": Etta Bernu, Dave Brown, Alan Kaplan, Mike Melotik, Dale Ruenger, Rhonda Shewfelt, and Vic Zwierlein.
Typically dogs between 12 and 18 months can receive a preliminary evaulation but in this case a pup of only 6 months also participated. Adults are considered dogs over 18 months old. An overall rating was given for Body/Gait and for Coat. Four females and one male were rated Excellent, Excellent. Most were rated Very Good, Very Good. (click to see separate page of results) A few received a Good or Adequate in one or both categories.
In each adult gender class gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded.
Females
Males
~ Conformation Evaluation Form ~
This copy of the Conformation Evaluation Form is
provided to you for downloadking with Adobe Acrobat.
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Membership Meeting
A meeting of the Membership was held in the clubhouse from approximately 7:30 to 10:00 PM. About 50 members participated. The meeting was chaired by President Mike Melotik. Secretary Randy Haines took minutes which will be published in an upcoming newsletter. Board Members Alan Kaplan and Joe Schmutz, as well as our new Newsletter Editor John Staley and Webmaster Sheila Schmutz were there to answer questions.
Agenda items had been called for in advance and there was a chance of Open Discussion at the end of the meeting. The agenda was:
Saturday & Sunday, June 9 & 10
A NAVHDA test, hosted by the new St. Croix chapter was held in conjunction with the reunion. Two simultaneous tests were run each day. Seven LMs were run.
Again LM owners worked their dogs on the land of Mike & Sherri Urban. The German judges gunned for those in attendance for part of the days. This provided further opportunity for watching each other's dogs work.
A banquet was held on Saturday evening with fantastic barbecued steaks. However, thanks to Sherri Urban and her mother and mother-in-law, no one went hungry at any meal over the entire four days!
Etta Bernu presented awards to members:
A Stained Glass Hanging (created by Janice Staley) was presented to Randy & Kathy Haines as a Service Award on Saturday night (above) since they were not staying through Sunday night. Karl Wichmann is shown with the artist, Janice Staley below.
Etta Bernu presented gifts of appreciation to our German guests:
Mike Melotik presented cetificates of appreciation to the organizers
We all had a great time and already look forward to the 35th Reunion!