Dog Scouts of America Troop 157

DSA Troop 157 Meeting Minutes

September 20, 2009, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm @ Markham Park

In attendance:

• Cindi Stone – Co-Leader w/Reba & Reggie
• Debby Bradford w/Barkley
• Christine Geschwill w/ Princess Grace
• Holly Blakney
• Aimee Lowe w/Karma
• Rob & Stacey Carter w/Noah
• Alice Perez w/Bella
• Christine Borak w/Kayla
• Sandra Allen
• Leanne Hugg w/Emma
• Betty Cullinane w/Tiernagh
• Jackie Loftus w/Loki & Odie
• Annette Gongora w/Chiquita
• Katherine Rosenberg w/Roxy
• Lisa S w/Lily & Cleo

Introductions were made by all members followed by updates:

DSA Class & Badges:

Announced two new Scoutmasters (Sandy & Holly); as well as, new evaluators certified for badges (Sandy – Tricks and Holly – Obstacles 3, Rally 1, 60 Weave Pole & Manners). With these new certification several classes have been added to the calendar and more are expected to be added before end of year.

 

Discussed that some badges have required levels of training in order reasonably expect to complete the badge.

 

Reminded all members to review the minimum requirements listed on the national website before signing up for class.

 

DSA classes and badges will require a minimum attendance of 3 persons. In order for instructors to know how many people are attending (whether or not they should cancel the class) everyone MUST RSVP via Facebook by 24 hours prior to the class.

Events were reviewed:

• Educational/Fundraising – There were no educational events since the August meeting. The troop will participating in "Walk For The Animals 2010" for their 3rd year (March 6, 2010). The troop leaders will also join the Miami-Dade Troop Leaders at the Fairchild Gardens Dog Days of Summer Event on the last weekend of September. Also, coming up in October is the 16th Annual All Breed Oktoberfest.
• Social –"Dog-toberfest" will be a two part event held on Saturday, October 24, 2009. Information on the event will be posted on Facebook within next couple of weeks.

Web/Facebook Update:

With the addition of classes to Facebook it is more important for each member to sign up so that they can easily RSVP for classes. Debby is available to assist anyone who wants to setup their Facebook membership to be totally private for Dog Scout information only.

Presentation:

Hope LaMonica, owner of Dog Massage by Hope, presented on the therapeutic benefits of massage for all dogs, not just troubled dogs (physically or mentally). She gave hand outs for the group. For anyone who did not receive a handout, but is interested in more information she emailed a copy of her handouts to troop leader Cindi Stone.

Game:

Troop Members played Musical Sits.

Closing and Q&A:

Announced reminders for upcoming meetings:

October – Holly will present the Dog Care Badge & we will have costume contest.

November meeting – Individuals will present skits for Tricks Badge.

DSA Troop 157 Meeting Minutes

August 23, 2009, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm @ Markham Park

In attendance:

• Cindi Stone – Co-Leader w/Reba
• Polly Garfinkle - Co-Leader w/ Samme & Scruffy
• Christine Geschwill – Scoutmaster w/ Princess Grace
• Farren Stone w/Reggie
• Sheree Adams w/ Journey
• Alice Perez w/ Bella
• Patty & Emily Harrington w/ Riley
• Andrea Garcia w/Pebbles
• Lesley Kenwood w/Scout
• Betty Cullinane w/Tiernagh
• Annette Gongora w/Chiquita

Went around the group with introductions being made of all the old & new Members.

Updates were given for:

DSA Class & Badges: DSA classes will continue on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm at Markham Park. Announced that two of our members, Holly and Sandy, have become certified evaluators for Badges. Holly had a check out for Rally 1 today at 9:00 am and has the first Obstacle class scheduled on October 3rd and checkout on October 4th. Sandy has been certified for Manners and Tricks. Preferred dates/times were discussed amongst troop members. Introductory classes and checkout classes for these will be announced via Facebook and Hotmail. It was discussed that badges are based on independent study. There is a Safety/Orientation class held for each badge where the instructor reviews what must be learned to pass the checkout and goes over the proper methods to train for the badge. It is then up to the member to work with their dog and prepare for the checkout test.

Events since last meeting were reviewed and new events announced:

Educational/Fundraising – 3 Members attended the Willow Wood “Dog Days of Summer” event & presented information on Dog Scouts and their dogs. Troop 157 will be participating in "Walk For The Animals 2010" for their 3rd year (March 6, 2010 - mark your calendars, sign-up details coming your way soon).

Social – Several Members attended the fundraiser at Maracas Restaurant. Watch for information on "Barktoberfest" soon coming your way.

Web/Facebook Update:

Reminder given to all members to please enroll on Facebook as this not only allows quick easy reference for the members of all events (social & educational); but also allows the leadership quick easy access for attendance of events. Debby is available to assist anyone who wants to setup their Facebook membership to be totally private for Dog Scout information only.

Troop Members divided into 2 teams and played Tic Tac Toe. The game is designed to enforce the sit/down stay commands. Winning team (Christine/Grace, Lesley/Scout, Alice/Bella & Farren/Reggie) took 3 of 5 games.

Cindi handed out “Responsible Parent’s Quiz” for members to take home and complete.

Marti, owner of Arfington Pet Resort, gave short presentation on areas/items to look for when considering which kennel is best for your dog.

Closing and Q&A – ok, we got too busy talking w/members and forgot to make notes. General questions reviewing previous discussions for the most part.

DSA Troop 157 Meeting Minutes

July 19, 2009, 6:30 pm

Markham Park

In attendance:

• Cindi Stone, Co-Leader, w/ Reggie & Reba
• Polly Garfinkle, Co-Leader, w/ Samme & Scruffy
• Debby Bradford, Assistant Leader & IS w/ fosters Roma & Shelby
• Christine Geschwill, Scoutmaster w/ Princess Grace
• Michael Satz (Polly?s husband)
• Sheree Adams w/ Journey
• Alice Perez w/ Bella
• Joyce Bervaldi
• Karen Nay w/ Dakota
• Sandy Disque-Allen
• Patty & Emily Harrington w/ Riley
• Andrea Garcia

Opening Introductions: Introductions of the new leadership team were made. Cindi Stone, co-leader, is responsible for New Member Orientation & General Membership Meetings & educational events, and will serve as the liaison for the national DSA. Polly Garfinkle, co-leader, is responsible for social events, fundraising, membership and serving as treasurer. Debby Bradford, web and FaceBook master handles web and FaceBook updates (send her any photos you have to share). Christine Geschwill, Scoutmaster, scheduling and certification for DSA certification. The team as a group will be responsible for working with members to create badge earning opportunities.

DSA Requirements ? Power Point Handouts were given to the members. Highlighted within the handout were the requirements for all members to be current dues paying members of the national Dog Scouts in order to insure insurance covers for troop meetings & events. Also discussed the Dog Scout Laws and the need for all members to not only adhere to them but to be able to paraphrase them if asked; this includes the Dog Scout Motto ? ?Let us learn new things, that we can become more helpful?.

Scoutmaster Certification & Badge Evaluator Certification: It was discussed that anyone who chooses may become a DSA Scoutmaster or a Badge Evaluator, and that as a troop we are looking for individuals interested in achieving Evaluator or Scoutmaster status. It was noted that you do not have to be a Scoutmaster to become a Badge Evaluator. A handout was given for members to check off sheet for badge interest and evaluator interest. (copy below ? all members who did not attend please complete and return to troop leaders by August 1).

Discussed Meeting dates/times:  A general discussion was held regarding past procedures and suggestions for the future. Final vote with a majority vote was to move to a set date (i.e. 3rd Sunday of the month) with the understanding that we are continuing to search for an indoor location that may require our making an adjustment to the date/time in the future. The date/time will also be subject to time of year to accommodate for sunset with outside locations.

DSA Classes: to continue on Monday nights at present. Future times/days will become available as additional individuals pass the Scoutmaster certification.

Educational/Informational/Fundraising events:  vote presented and passed for a minimum of 1 per quarter

Social Events:  vote presented and passed for a minimum of 1 per month

Classes (DSA and/or Badges):  vote presented and passed for a minimum of 1 per week

Fundraising: Discussion was held regarding funds on hold for non-profit organizations. Discussion was held regarding the difficulty of finding a fire station to accept masks. Ideas were solicited for alternative non-profit pet oriented ideas for our fundraising, current and future, suggestions from the troop. Polly stated she has a possible group and would get further information for a troop vote and approval. Patty noted a group she is working with has taken over a potential organization for fundraising efforts. Patty will connect with Polly and give her the information to present to the troop.

Communications: Discussion of Facebook group page and its uses was held. Question was asked if Hotmail was going to be discontinued. Leaders assured Hotmail and Facebook would continue to be used indefinitely, although it was noted that the ultimate goal was to move toward Facebook as it has the ability for members to RSVP for classes and events. Question was raised about privacy of Facebook and Debby noted you could sign up for Facebook and close it to only the troop notices. She is available to assist members who require help in creating an account and/or to answer questions on how to setup for privacy.

Closing and Q&A:  We got too busy talking with members and forgot to make notes. General questions reviewing previous discussions for the most part.

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This is the handout where we asked members to tell us which badges they are interested in achieving, and which badges they are interested in becoming an evaluator for.

1. Dog Scout

• Dog Scout
• Honor Scout
• Jr. Scout
• Pup Scout

2. Trails

• Backpacking
• Hiking
• Biking
• Letterboxing I, II and III
• Geocaching I, II and III
• Camping

3. Water

• Puppy Paddler
• Beach Buddies
• Boating
• Water Rescue I & II
• Water Racing
• Dock Diving
• Water Retrieve
• Kayaking
• Canoeing

4. Agility

• Obstacles I, II & III
• Agility I & II
• 60 Weave Pole Challenge

5. Obedience

• Art
• Band
• Naked Dog
• IMPROV
• Rally
• Tricks
• Freestyle
• Drill Team
• Manners
• Earn Badge Become Evaluator

6. Nosework

• Tracking
• Scent Descrimination
• Search & Rescue
• SAR Directional Control

7. Pulling

• Sledding
• Weight Pull
• Carting
• Skijoring/Scootering

8. Community

• Therapy Dog
• Clean Up America I & II
• Community Service

9. Other

• Phodography
• Sign Language
• Retrieve
• Fundraising (Handles)
• Fundraising (Put and Take)
• Fundraising Advanced
• Hunt Retriever
• Lure Coursing
• Steeplechase
• Herding
• Temperament Tests (ATTS)
• Flyball
• Scent Hurdle
• Frisbee (Distance)
• Frisbee (Freestyle)
• Triathadog
• Earth Dog
• First Aid
• Dog Care
• Travel Safety
• Disaster Prep

We had a great turnout at our first New Member meeting. This is now a mandatory event for all future troop members.

This information is important to New Members:

First and foremost, punishment-based training is NOT allowed. Read why here:

http://www.dogscouts1.com/Position_on_punishment.html

Weare here to educate on positive training. Any individual who insists onusing negative methods (prong collars, choke chains, slapping, etc)will be asked to leave the group (and will not be allowed to pass theDSA test). That type of treatment of dogs is unacceptable and not partof the message that DSA sends. Learn all about positive training here: http://www.dogscouts1.com/Pos_Training_section.html

Learning about the DSA test:

http://www.dogscouts1.com/Dog_Scout_Badges.html#Dog_Scout_And_Honor_Scout

Scrolldown to the bottom of the page and listed under the DSA badge areimportant links. Be sure to look at the Checkoff sheet to see what isentailed in completing your badge (you must have this badge before youcan get others- though you are allowed to work towards other badgesbefore having it)

You MUST know and understand the Dog Scout Laws.

"Notes from Dog Scout Class" will help you to teach any behaviors your dog might not know.

"Guideto the Dog Scout Title" is a a very helpful all-around guide tolearning what's necessary to pass (it also includes notes from a DSAclass). It can be found here as the second link:

http://www.dogscouts1.com/Certification_Program.html

Membership:

Once you've learned all about DSA, decide if the group seems like a good fit for you. You MUSTattend a New Member Meeting before you are allowed to join the generalgroup for meetings. As troopleader, I need to make sure that your dogwill mix well with others and for insurance purposes, you must be adue-paying member of DSA to be covered.

Once you're ready to sign up, go here: http://www.dogscouts1.com/Membership_Application.html

Itwill walk you through completing your membership application. The costis $25 for the first member of a household and $5 for each additional.You may sign your dog up to be a Cadet Scout, but this is an optionalthing- it DOES NOT make your dog a Dog Scout. They must pass their testin order to become one.

*Please Note* A YAHOO ACCOUNT is now required formembership because DSA uses a Yahoo Group to email all the DSA membersthe new password to the Member's Only section each time a newsletter isready to be viewed.  The password changes each month, so you'll need tobecome a member of the private "Newsletter" Yahoo Group.  This is separate from the main DSA talk listthat generates a lot of emails.  The Newsletter group will ONLY sendone email per month to your email account with the new password and alink to the "Members Only" page.  Only DSA staff will be able to postmessages to the Newsletter Yahoo Group.

If you don't already have a Yahoo account, this tutorial will walk you through the easy steps to signing up:

http://www.dogscouts1.com/uploads/Yahoo_account_-_steps_to_create.pdf

Bella, Pebbles, Fauntleroy, and Samme had a great time painting. Please visit our Photo Gallery to see their wonderful creations!

1. Humane Society Walk for the Animals- March 7th 8am-finished

We have a pack- Broward County Paw Patrol. So far we have raised $340 but need to raise $1500 to be an actual pack (each individual member must raise $150). Any and all help is appreciated. Start a website or make a donation. Look for an email with group meeting time and location.

2. Warning- Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called ' Theobromine' . It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks.  Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of the eobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

3. Play Game- My Dog Can Do That! board game. Congrats to Bella, Kerpov, and Fauntleroy for winning

4. Upcoming events

Feb 15- Tamarac 1st annual pet lovers expo 2-5pm at Gary B Jones Park

Feb 21, 22- Waterpark days for dogs at CB Smith Park 9-4pm

Feb 28, Mar 1- TDAA Agility Trial in Jupiter (dogs 17 inch and under)

April 18- SPCA Wildlife Care Center Walk (interest in a flock?)

Upcoming troop events- camping, Olympics, cookie exchange, painting party- look for future emails!

1. Responsible Dog Ownership Day- September 13, 2008 at PetSmart from 10-1
    Troop members are making posters of various breeds to help educate the public about what it's really like to have one. Should include things like: breed origin, breed traits, pictures, exercise requirements, and grooming requirements. Creativity encouraged! Included are the breeds we have people for- there's a lot we're missing and only one mixed breed, so don't be shy to volunteer. Additionally, if you are available to talk with people at the event (no specific time length, anything you can give is great) it would be appreciated. Posters can be dropped off to the pet training ring any time before the event.
Pomeranian and beagle- Sandy      Boston Terr- Mel      Boxer- Andrea
Sheltie- Holly                                Chihuahua- Christy   King Charles- Farren
Shihtzu- Ian                                 Golden Ret- Diana     Poodles- Katie
Yorkie-poo- Diane                         Lab- Kim and Joyce

2. Rally
    Holly handed out some examples of rally courses from the AKC. A rally course includes 10-20 stations, depending on the level. Communication between handler and dog is encouraged and perfect heel not required. The main objective is to produce dogs that behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. There will be a rally demo at RDO day if you are interested to see it in action. Both the AKC and APDT offer rally trials, and there are 2 rally badges offered by DSA. A local group called Performance Pups is also offering  Rally run-thrus and an upcoming trial (October 25-26). More information can be found on their website. http://performancepupsinc.com/rally-o!.htm

3. DSA Test
    We practiced the "friendly with people" portion of the test, where we had various troop members go around to greet the dogs and we worked on stay (level of difficulty varied by dogs ability).

4. Preparing for emergencies handout.
    With a few storms on the horizon, this is incredibly important. A copy of the handout can be found here: http://dogscouts1.com/uploads/Disaster_Preparedness_evacuation_kit.pdf

5. Next meeting
    As we have both the First Aid Course and RDO Day in September, we will not have a regular meeting. Our next meeting (and Howloween Party) will either be October 25 or November 1st. Please let me know if you have a date preference. As with our other special events, this is for DSA members only (meaning you must pay national dues).

6. Fun, upcoming events
    - September 19th, 2008, 5:30-8pm, Riverwalk Mutts and Martinis Yappy Hour, $20 pp tickets purchased online
http://www.goriverwalk.com/
    - Doggy Splash Days (for those water-inclined dogs)Sat. & Sun., Nov. 1 & 2  for K9 Splash Adventure at  Quiet Waters, Sat. & Sun., Nov. 8 & 9 for Castaway Island K9 Splash at  T.Y. , Sat. & Sun., Nov. 15 & 16 for K9?s in Paradise at  C.B. Smith, Sat. & Sun., Nov. 22 & 23 for K9's in the Karibbean at Central Broward Regional Park.