Monday, September 28, 2009

One of the goals for this group has always been a push for education. In the past, most of our information has been communicated on the forum in a format primarily occurring through member share and experiences. We would like to begin to change that and promote our educational goals through more formal channels. For this reason, you’ll begin to see some changes coming in the next months. Here are a couple of definitions and explanations to begin.

Romp - (definition) - lively exercise in a fenced or unfenced area designated for dogs to allow for and encourage social activity, exercise, and play. Roughhousing appropriate within the limitations set by specific owners. Most dogs who participate are younger or young at heart.

Walkabout - (definition) - an activity intended to promote proper leash walking. Handler may choose to use a behavioral aid such as Gentle Leader, Halti, harness, or other tool. Board members may provide someone with experience in dog training to give tips, talk with members about better handling practices and managing large dogs, and to monitor behaviors to ensure safety for all participants. Many participants may be Danes who no longer like to romp in the park, are those who need to practice walking on leash, and who may or may need social exposure in a controlled environment.

The next walkabout is scheduled for Saturday, October 17 at 10am. The event will be held at Mary S Young Park (http://www.portlandpooch.com/dogparks/marysyoung.htm). Please arrive a few minutes early to potty and cleanup after your dog. The board of PDX Danes asks that you come to this event open and receptive to constructive criticism and suggestion for better handling of your Great Dane. We want ALL events to be fun for members and effectively managing our large dogs is a huge component of this being possible.

Look for updates regularly for more training and educational events. We plan on having a Dane-free educational event one evening in November where we’ll focus on what to look for when choosing a Dane, what questions to ask of a breeder, and much more. This event will be free for paid members and have a nominal fee for non-paid members. Everyone is encouraged to attend as our presenter will have a lot of information to share and is very experienced with this breed.

Posted by vegasrose in

Monday, September 14, 2009

The Teddy Bear Parade is coming up soon. This will be the second year our group is participating and a great way to gain publicity for our awesome Danes. We want as many people there as possible and feel free to dress yourself and/or your Dane to the nines in Teddy Bear memorabilia. Let’s give onlookers a look at Danes they’ll never forget.

Here are the details:

8:45 am - Arrive in Gresham (East Hill Church - details on parking will be posted in the forum)
9:30 am - We must be assembled as a group in the church parking lot
10   am - Parade begins

http://pdxdanes.com/content/forums/viewthread/174/

This IS a leashed event. All our dogs MUST be leashed. Please bring your own poop bags and water. None is provided.

Come on out and have a great time!!!! Thanks, Kerry Jo, for the tip on this great event!

Posted by vegasrose in