■ PUPPIESSOCIALIZING & FEEDING

■ SPRING CLEANING YOUR KENNEL

B R E E D T R A I L B L A Z E R S

Airecraft Airedales

TODAY’S BREEDERA Nestlé Purina Publication Dedicated to the Needs of Canine Enthusiasts Issue 88

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Last November, the couple made a boldmove to Missouri to be close to the PurinaEvent Center at Purina Farms in Gray Summit.They welcomed having the 84,000-square-foot indoor facility just a few miles awayand the plethora of opportunities it offersto train and compete in obedience andagility. Since moving, their 4-year-old redBorder Collie “Scarlett” (OTCH/MACH Cyclone’s Irish Eyes R Smilin At Heelalong,UDX2), has earned the Obedience TrialChampion title.

They decided to move after attendingthe 2013 Border Collie Society of AmericaNational Specialty at the Purina Event

Twenty-one years ago when Dick and KayGuetzloff were the featured breeders inToday’s Breeder (Issue 17, 1994), they andtheir string of four Border Collies werehigh achievers on the obedience trial cir-cuit. Their black-and-white female, OTCHHeelalong Chimney Sweep, UDX, was themost-winning obedience dog in history atthat time.

Living in Prescott, a small town in thehigh country of western Arizona, theGuetzloffs thrived in their love for their dogsand their sport. They were frequent travel-ers, logging nearly 50,000 miles a year ontheir van to reach obedience venues.

Center. “We had such a good time,” KayGuetzloff says. “This past winter, wesometimes were at the Event Center threeto four times a week – one day to trainand two or three days for competition onthe weekends.”

Dick Guetzloff agrees. “We love beingthis close to the Purina Event Center. It issuch a busy place. Without a doubt, it isthe best place in the U.S. for competitiondogs and those who love them.” ■

OBEDIENCE PROS FOLLOW THEIR HEARTS TO PURINA EVENT CENTER

P u r i n a Fa r m s

Kay and Dick Guetzloff pose with their Obedience Trial Champions after a weekday practice session at the Purina Event Center. From left are “Scarlett,” 4, a redBorder Collie, “Cider,” 15, a Miniature American Shepherd, and “Sparky,” 7, a black-and-white Border Collie.

Located about one hour from St. Louis at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, Missouri, the Purina Event Center is a state-of-the-art facility custom-madefor all-breed and specialty dog shows and sports. For information about scheduling an event, please contact Kaite Flamm, Purina Event CenterManager, at 888-688-PETS (888-688-7387) or by email at kaite.flamm@purina.nestle.com.

Today’s Breeder Advisory Board

Sean Fitzgerald, Vice President, Profes-sional Engagement Team

Heather Gettys, Portfolio Director of Marketing

Gianna DeiSanti, Brand Director, Confor-mation and Sporting

Benjamin James, Marketing Associate,Professional Engagement Team

Scott Smith, Managing Director of FieldOperations

Ann Viklund, Director of Conformation,and Breeder, Labrador Retrievers andNorwich Terriers

Bob West, Director of Sporting

Brock Fitzgerald, Director of PurinaFarms and the Purina Event Center

Kaite Flamm, Manager, Purina EventCenter

Deborah Greco, DVM, DACVIM, SeniorResearch Scientist, and Breeder, Stan-dard Poodles

Connie Wagner, Senior Area Manager(Southeast), Conformation, and Breeder,Dalmatians

Carol Grossman, Western Area Manager,Conformation, and Breeder, GreatDanes, Rottweilers and Dachshunds

Ann Balotti, Purina Event Center AreaManager

Marci Sale, Plains Area Manager, Conformation, and Breeder, LabradorRetrievers

Diana Allen, Field Representative, Conformation, and Breeder, AmericanEskimo Dogs

Corey Benedict, Northeast Area Manager,Conformation, and Breeder, EnglishSpringer Spaniels and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

Rod L. Carter, Area Manager, Sporting,and Breeder, Beagles, Boston Terriersand Yorkshire Terriers

Pat Lamantia, Area Manager, Sporting,and Breeder, German Wirehaired Pointers

Dean Reinke, Area Manager, Sporting,and Breeder, English Springer Spaniels

Karl Gunzer, Area Manager, Sporting

Today’s Breeder is produced and publishedby Nestlé Purina Public Relations.

Keith Schopp, Vice President, Public Relations

Barbara Fawver, Editor, Today’s Breeder,and Breeder, Brace Beagles

Kayla Miller, Digital Editor, Today’s Breeder

Today’s Breeder is sent as a courtesy tomembers of Purina Pro Club. Articles maybe reprinted if the following credit is in-cluded: Used with permission from Today’sBreeder, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company.

Trademarks owned by Société des ProduitsNestlé S.A., Vevey, Switzerland.

© 2015 Nestlé Purina PetCare Company

Visit Today’s Breeder on thePurina Pro Club website (purinaproclub.com) for morephotos and information

MASSAGE THERAPYHELPS DOGS FEEL GOOD

7 EASY TIPS ON SPRINGCLEANING YOUR KENNEL

Spruce up your kennel this spring bydoing these maintenance projects.

SOCIALIZING PUPPIES

Puppies are particularly impres-sionable from 5 to 16 weeks ofage, a critical time to socializethem so they become confident,well-mannered adult dogs.

PUPPY NUTRITION

A puppy's first food should providecomplete and balanced nutritionto meet the nutrient requirementsof growing puppies.

THE ALL-AROUNDAIREDALES OF AIRECRAFT

Longtime Airedale Terrier breeder-owner-handlers, Kim and DaleBurrier of Newton Falls, Ohio,have played a pivotal role in thebreed's evolution as a recog-nized gundog.

‘MISS P’ WOWS TO WIN WESTMINSTER

DEPARTMENTS2 Purina Farms4 Letters6 Purina Sporting Awards

(Brace Beagle)9 Purina Sporting Awards

(All-Age Bird Dogs)22 Circle of Champions

ON THE COVERCH Airecraft Keep Her Flying is a4-year-old female Airedale Terrierbred, owned and handled by Kimand Dale Burrier. Their first con-formation champion, “Keeper”also excels in fieldwork and rallyobedience. Cover photo by TimHarrison. See story on page 16.

THIS PAGESocialization is fundamental toraising puppies. This 4-week-oldRottweiler puppy was co-bred byLinda Draper and Mary Gentlesk.Photo by Diane Lewis. See storyon page 10.

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Ta b le o f Co n t e n t s

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L e tt e r s

THE NEW FORMAT of Today’sBreeder is wonderful! I reallyenjoy the beautiful dog photog-raphy. The cover story onCambria Dobermans (Issue 87)brought back fond memoriesof the feature on my kennel13 years ago. My BedlingtonTerrier, “Caddie” (CH CapstoneClearly Carillon), who appearedon the cover (Issue 37), willsoon celebrate his 15th birthday.

Moreover, the AKC CanineHealth Foundation will sooncelebrate its 20th anniversary.Purina has supported my favorite cause since its incep-tion, and this has been somuch appreciated by the dogfancy. I have attended all butone of the Purina-hosted National Parent Club CanineHealth Conferences. I am es-pecially looking forward tothe 10th biennial meetingthis summer in St. Louis.

Congratulations on the newdesign of the magazine. I can’t

wait to receive many more issues of Today’s Breeder.

Lucy Heyman | Carillon Bedlingtons/Houston, TX

I AM DIFFERENT than many members of Purina Pro Clubbecause my three Cardigan Welsh Corgis and three GreatPyrenees work on our farm. The Great Pyrenees help guardour livestock from fox and coyotes, and the Corgis movethe goats and sheep to other pastures.

I come from a background of obedience, conformationand field trials. We retired to North Carolina in 2002. I havefed Purina all my life. We now feed Purina Pro Plan SAVORShredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula. Dory A. Van Duzer | Hammonds Street Corgis/ Durham, NC

ONE WORD describes the “new” Today’s Breeder: OUTSTANDING. I participated in the online survey andam extremely impressed with the results.

Thanks, Purina and Purina Pro Club, for all you do tosupport the dog fancy. Ellen Kemp | Gemini Corgis/Nokomis, FL

I AM A MEMBER of Purina Pro Club and thoroughly enjoyreading Today’s Breeder magazine.

Have you ever heard of a Treeing Walker Coonhounddoing lure coursing? My 2-year-old, CH ‘PR’ Bells WildNite Shaina, CA, loves the sport! She also loves to trailraccoons and go to dog shows. This year, I hope to get herinto agility and barn hunts. All her wins have been withme as the breeder-owner-handler.

“Shaina” was raised on Purina Puppy Chow HealthyMorsels and still enjoys a small handful mixed into herPurina ONE adult dog food. Thanks, Purina, for all you do!Laura Bell | Garrettsville, OH

“Shaina” is a well-rounded Treeing Walker Coonhound who enjoys lure coursing, trailing raccoons and going to dog shows.

Today’s Breeder loves hearing from Purina Pro Club members! Tell us about your dogs and how Purina nutrition and Purina Pro Clubhelp you achieve your goals. Send your letter and photos to editor@purina.nestle.com or mail them to Today’s Breeder, c/o Editor, NestléPurina PetCare, 2T Checkerboard Square, St. Louis, MO 63164. Today’s Breeder retains the right to edit and publish letters, includingnames, addresses and photos, to a worldwide audience.

Bedlington Terrier breeder Lucy Heymanwith, from left, Carillon Quelle Chaleur, Carillon Serendipity Skyelark, and Board-walk Bridget Carillon.

PURINAPROCLUB.COM | 5

Most dogs don’t limber up by doing the classicyoga pose downward-facing dog, but if they did,their stretched bodies would then be ready for lapsaround the show ring or rigorous fieldwork. Alter-natively, massage therapy has trended for use withdogs because it offers many of the same benefitsthat people get from yoga.

“Dog massage helps to increase muscle strengthand tone and to improve circulation, respirationand flexibility,” says Deirdre Chiaramonte, DVM,DACVIM, CCRT, a dog rehabilitation therapist whooffers massage therapy as part of her practice inNew York City.

Stimulation massages before performance helpwarm up muscles, and relaxation massages beforebedtime soothe tired bodies. “There are many optionsdepending on the situation,” Chiaramonte says.

“Massage is most effective when a dog is receptive,such as after being outside, before exercise orafter traveling.”

Targeting a massage on areas surrounding over-worked muscles helps reduce soreness and tightnessby increasing circulation. Massage can be used toreduce pain, speed recovery, and improve muscletone, alignment, flexibility, and range of motion.

A good masseuse is one trained in canineanatomy and who understands dog behavior.“The idea is to start slowly, less than 10 minutesin the beginning, and gradually build up to 30minutes or so as you develop a relationship withthe dog,” says Chiaramonte. “How often and howlong to massage depends on the lifestyle of thedog and the goals.” ■

MASSAGE THERAPY Helps Dogs Feel Good

“Avery,” a 3-year-old Australian Cattle Dog and member of the Purina Pro Plan Performance Team at Purina Farms, simulates the yoga position downward-facing dog.

To find a massage expert, go to www.nbcaam.org or www.caninerehabinstitute.com

The Purina Award honorees are: front row, from left,Joel Davis with “Timmy,” Marty Parker with “Brave-heart,” and Niki Happel with “Stiletto,” and back row,from left, Carol Davis, Mike Asbury, and Aja Happel. All the hounds are fed Purina Pro Plan brand dog food.

Rabbit trackers, hounds hot on a trail, their cry of sheer joy andexcitement reverberates across the countryside, thrilling their ownersand handlers. Brace beagling celebrates hounds with traits of accu-racy, keen scent ability, enthusiasm, and desire. Enthusiasts honoredtheir finest, the 2014 Purina Award winners, last fall in Pittsburgh.

The Futurity-class winner, FCB Tilley’s Little Timmy, a 2-year-old13-inch tricolor male, says owner Joel Davis of Nottingham Township,Pennsylvania, “is the best dog I’ve ever owned. He taught me.”“Timmy” prevailed with his controlled running style to win thePurina Award for Outstanding Field Trial Brace Beagle, inchingahead of three female close contenders at the last of six Federationfield trials. It was Davis’ first Purina Award after 41 years in the sport.

Pros Bob and Lynette Coil of Bulls Gap, Tennessee, handledTimmy to his win, their second time to be on the other end of theleash of the Futurity Award winner, having also handled the 2011winner, FC Cisco’s Rusty Skyhook. “It didn’t matter whether Timmyran the front or back of the brace, he always gave us his best,” saysLynette Coil. Veteran handlers, Bob Coil stared in beagling in 1963,and Lynette Coil finished her first Field Champion in 1965, followingher parents’ love for the sport.

Father-daughter duo, 2XNBC-FCB Bee Lick Braveheart and FCBSteeler Town Stiletto, won the Purina Champion and Derby awards,respectively, bringing great pride to owners Marty Parker of Taylors -ville, Kentucky, and Niki Happel of Pittsburgh. Mike Asbury of Elyria,Ohio, is a co-owner of “Braveheart.”

The 2 ½-year-old tricolor male, Braveheart, is a two-time PurinaAward winner, having won the Derby Award in 2013, and a two-timeAKC National Brace Champion class winner, having won in 2013 and2014. Several hounds were vying for the Champion Award goinginto the last Federation trial, but Braveheart gave an impressiveperformance, “turning in seven times, following the rabbit’s track,”says handler Parker, who also owned and handled the ChampionAward winner in 2010, FC Nightstalk Tyra.

“Stiletto” shined in the Derby competition, proving she was anaccurate tracker, yet her “best quality is her independence,” Happelsays, who alternately handled the female with Parker. “WhetherStiletto drew the front or back, she consistently did well,” saysHappel, a third-generation beagler who grew up in the sport hergrandparents and parents adored and raised her own childrengoing to field trials and running Beagles. ■

PURINA HONORS

Outstanding Brace Beagles

P u r i n a S p o r t i n g Aw a r d s

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Spring Cleaning Your Kennel

E ASY T I PS O N 7

Warm, sunny spring weather is a great opportunity formaintenance projects to freshen the kennel environment.Here are seven expert tips to help you make the most ofspring cleaning your kennel. Professional all-breed handlersJoe Berkau and Burk Hughes of Southern California providedthe backdrop for our photography, though kennel mainte-nance should be a year-round endeavor, they say.

DISINFECT & CLEAN THOROUGHLYProper sanitation is critical to reduce disease

problems in kennels. All surface areas should bedisinfected after first being cleaned thoroughly tomaximize the effectiveness of disinfectants. Organicmaterials, such as feces, urine and soil, decrease theeffectiveness of many products. Bleach is an effectivedisinfectant, but be careful to use it minimally (1 cupbleach to 5 gallons water) and rinse thoroughly withwater because it can be corrosive to a dog’s skin,paw pads and digestive system. Another option isusing a quarternary disinfectant. Be sure to readand follow directions for maximum effectiveness.

1 FRESH COAT OF PAINT Areas that receive heavy wear and tear, kennel walls and even

flooring, depending on the surface material, may need paintedevery year to look good. Paint provides moderate protection andimproves a kennel’s overall look. Epoxy may work best. Though itcosts more than paint, it gives greater protection and is moredurable. Make sure to move dogs to a safe area and that there isproper ventilation before starting a painting project.

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REPAIR CONCRETE CRACKSCracks and holes in concrete foundations,

walls and doors send an invitation to rodents andinsects. Damage from freeze-thaw cycles causesconcrete to expand, eventually cracking. Likewise,salt used to melt ice erodes the pores of concreteand attracts water. Use a scraper to work epoxyinto damaged areas to effectively seal cracks andholes and prevent further damage.

3 MAINTAIN DOG DOORS Most dog doors are

neither chew-proof nor resilientto heavy usage. Check doorsfor cracks or gaps that mayneed repaired to prevent injuryto dogs frequently going in andout. Keeping doors clean usinga disinfectant spray is importantto help them last longer andfunction better.

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KEEP DOG SUPPLIES CLEAN Stainless steel water buckets and feeding

bowls, brushes and grooming supplies, even the tackbox that carries the supplies, should be thoroughlycleaned to reduce the spread of disease. Clean waterbuckets help to ensure dogs receive clean water,which is paramount to good health. Hair, as wellas flakes of skin and coat, can cause deteriorationto brushes and other grooming tools. Scrub with warm,soapy water to help keep dog supplies sanitary andready for use.

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KEEP GROOMING TUB IN TIP-TOP SHAPEGrooming is one of the most important jobs in a show kennel,

so it is imperative to keep your tub in good working order. Use caulk-ing to seal the edges, and check the piping of the faucet and under-neath the tub to be sure there is no leaking.

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MONITOR DOG FOOD STORAGEDog food should be

kept in airtight containers tokeep out rodents and insects.Spilled or improperly storedfood is an invitation for an infestation. Check your dogfood storage containers to besure they don’t have cracks orloosely fitting lids. ■

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PURINA CELEBRATES

Three stylish, far-ranging Pointers stood outprominently last year in all-age horsebackstakes. Their elegance in finding birds, per-formed with high energy as they swiftly sweptmiles and miles of thickets, fields and pastures,made them the Purina Top Field Trial Bird DogAward winners.

Working to the front, always wanting toplease, 2XCH/2XRUCH Touch’s Adams County,a 5-year-old white and orange-marked malePointer, gifted owner Ric Peterson, of Gilbert,Arizona, and pro handler Randy Anderson, ofVinita, Oklahoma, with their first Purina TopField Trial Bird Dog Award. “‘Bo’ is breathtakingon point,” Anderson says. “His ability to adjustto the conditions and great composure aroundgame helped put us on top.”

Husband-wife owner-handlers Bubba and Amy Spencer ofMedon, Tennessee, learned as they went along training their

5-year-old white and orange femalePointer, Cocklebur Treasure Quest,the winner of the Purina AmateurTop Field Trial Bird Dog Award.“‘Ellie’ is far more than a field trialdog,” says Bubba Spencer. “She isour housedog, and she always ridesin the truck with us. In trials, sheis very smart and logical, consis-tent and predictable.”

From Sunny Hill Plantation inTallahassee, Florida, the Purina

Derby Top Field Trial Bird Dog, Dazzling, stood out as something

special even as a puppy, says BobWalthall, who co-owns the 2-year-oldwhite and orange-ticked Pointer withThorpe McKenzie. Walthall, who man-ages Sunny Hill for McKenzie, says,“When ‘May’ came along, I knew wehad a chance to win the Purina Award.”

Professional handler Steve Hurdlemasterfully handled Dazzling, andseven other bird dogs, to win the Pu-rina Top Field Trial Handler Award, histhird handler award since 2007-2008. Apro for 24 years, Hurdle, says, “I amvery blessed to handle some great dogsand to havesome of the

best owners to work with.” Hurdle alsohas handled two Purina Top Field TrialBird Dogs, 7XCH/3XRUCH Shell CreekCoin, who won in 2007-2008, and Connor’sEZ Button, who won in 2011-2012. ■

Touch’s Adams County

Cocklebur Treasure Quest

Dazzling, left, washandled by SteveHurdle, above, whowon the Purina TopField Trial HandlerAward, his third.

TOP ALL-AGE BIRD DOGS

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Socializing Puppies

Welcome, puppy. No matter whether you will be a show dog, a field trial competitor,

a hunting companion, or a loving pet, your future should start withballs, squeaky toys, climbing obstacles, and games of hide-and-seek.Children and seniors, backyards and basements, carpet and concrete,you have much to experience and learn.

Puppy socialization focuses on that sliver of time to shape puppiestoward becoming confident, well-mannered and cooperative adultdogs. “Puppies develop at a fast pace, so there is a small window of

opportunity when they are from 5 to 16weeks old to effect positive development,”says Pat Hastings, co-editor of “AnotherPiece of the Puzzle: Puppy Development.”

Hastings considers “bounce-back,” theability to recover from first being afraid, asone of the most valuable behavioral traits a puppy learns. Socialization reduces thenumber of things in the world that frightena puppy by continually providing the expe-rience of first being afraid and then recover-ing. The more things a puppy experiencesduring critical socialization periods, the

less bothered the puppy will be throughout life when confronted bynew things.

“The ‘bounce-back’ is critical, which is why you must never feedinto a puppy’s insecurities,” says Hastings, a prominent puppyevaluator and seminar presenter. “You have to ignore puppies’ firstfear reaction and let them figure it out for themselves without inter-ference from you. If you ignore it, they usually will too. The nexttime, they likely will not give it a second thought. This is thebounce-back.”

B Y B A R B A R A FAW V E R

Simple things likecardboard boxes,big metal spoons,empty plastic bottles, and softlittle toys help acclimate a puppyto different texturesand smells.

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According to research by behaviorists Scott andFuller,1 a dog’s behavioral makeup is 35 percentgenetic and 65 percent due to socialization, nutrition,health care, training, and management. In otherwords, socialization cannot change temperament,but it certainly plays a role in behavior modification.

Recent research at the Wolf Science Center inErnstbrunn, Austria,2 has shown that dogs likelyinherited the ability to be socially tolerant and attentive, characteristics that are crucial for coop-eration, from wolves, their closest wild living relative.The researchers socialized dogs and wolves to humans and their respective species and foundthat wolves are highly socially attentive and toler-ant and thus highly cooperative. They proposed acanine cooperation hypothesis suggesting thatwolves provided a good basis for the evolution of dog-human cooperation and dogs’ ability to accept humans as social partners.

ENRICHMENT MATTERSAlthough puppies are born with the ability to be

cooperative social partners with humans, socializa-tion is the key to success in helping them developconfidence and the ability to handle new situations.Opportunities that are missed during the criticalsocialization period puts puppies at risk of becom-ing shy, fearful, defensive adult dogs.

Animal behaviorist Fox3 showed that puppiesexposed to increasingly complex stimuli, or enrich-ment, sought out complex environments and weredominant over “stimulus-poor” puppies. Those thatlacked enrichment were inhibited, fearful and lookedfor less complex environments, and often compen-sated with self-destructive behaviors such as chewingand licking.

Puppy socialization sets the stage for a dog’sentire life. The socialization periods that Hastingsidentifies in “Another Piece of the Puzzle: PuppyDevelopment” are:Curiosity Period (5 to 7 weeks): Now weaned,puppies are virtually fearless and thus ready toexplore the world. They want to climb, crawl, inves-tigate, and taste everything. Their acceptance ofpeople peaks at this time as they are becoming increasingly mobile. New challenges, such as firstbaths, grooming and trips outside the house, areideal because puppies bounce back quickly iffrightened by something new. Behavioral Refinement (7 to 9 weeks): Puppiesare capable of learning anything despite their short

“With a large breed, such as a Rottweiler, training is very important, but it shouldbe about mutual respect and calm authority. It should never be about fear,” saysEternal Moon Rottweiler breeder Linda Draper of Charlotte, North Carolina.

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attention span. Learning is permanent at this age.Training should be structured on an individualbasis, and puppies should form good habits, learnboundaries, and the rules of their new life. A stableindividualized learning environment is important. Fear Imprint (8 to 11 weeks): Between 8 and 9 weeksof age, puppies begin to be more cautious, evenfearful of loud noises, sudden movements, strangers,and discipline from other dogs or humans. If frightenedduring this period, it may take weeks to return tonormal. In nonsocialized puppies, anything asso-ciated with fear at this age will be a fearful stimulusthroughout life without extensive desensitization. Environmental Awareness (9 to 12 weeks):Puppies are starting to learn the right behaviorsfor the right time, significantly improving theirmotor skills and paying more attention to humans,and are busy learning about their new world. Behaviorcan be shaped very differently depending on whatthe owner expects from the puppy. If almost totallyseparated from other dogs, the human bond becomesstrong. Puppies left with littermates often have troublewith separation anxiety and/or hyperexcitability. Seniority Classification (13 to 16 weeks): The ageof independence, this is when a puppy begins totest dominance and leadership. Critical learningoccurs now. Puppies that are allowed to bite,

dominate children or resist activitiessuch as leash training, nail cutting, andremoval of food possessions are lesslikely to develop into a well-behaveddog. Puppy classes are essential, andbeing handled and trained by a varietyof people helps build self-confidence.

In a nutshell, the more puppiesexperience, the more accepting theybecome. In reality, socialization laststhe entire life of a dog. It should beconsistent, firm but gentle, patient,and loving. It starts during that sliverof time from 5 to 16 weeks of age.

“Socialization requires creativityand must occur during this criticalperiod of development,” Hastingssays. “There is no substitution forintensive and ongoing socializationfor all puppies.” ■

1 Scott JP, Fuller JL. Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog.University of Chicago Press. 1998. (Originally published 1965)2 Range F, Virányi Z. Tracking the Evolutionary Origins of Dog-Human Cooperation: The ‘Canine Cooperation Hypothesis.’Frontiers in Psychology. Jan. 15, 2015. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01582.3 Fox MW. Integrative Development of Brain and Behavior in theDog. University of Chicago Press. 1971.

Opportunities that aremissed during the criticalsocialization period puts puppies at risk ofbecoming shy, fearful,defensive adult dogs.

Puppy socialization starts at birth, says Linda Draper,Eternal Moon Rottweiler breeder. “It is highly importantto pick up pups and hold them. You should touch themall over — their feet, nose, ears, and lips.”

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Got “milk teeth,” now bring on thepuppy food.

Rapidly growing puppies tend to beeager eaters. Not surprising consider-ing that until they are around 6 monthsof age, puppies need two to three timesthe amount of most nutrients and calo-ries per pound of body weight com-pared to an adult dog.

A puppy’s first food, generally introduced at 3 to4 weeks of age, should provide complete and balancednutrition and be formulated to meet the nutrientrequirements of growing puppies. “Essential nutri-ents — protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, andvitamins — must be present in the proper proportionsto ensure a puppy food is complete and balanced,”says Melinda Fleming, DVM, Purina Research Sci-

entist. “A supply of fresh water must be availableat all times.”

Puppies, even litters, should be fed on an indi-vidual basis, Fleming says. “It is important to feeda food that matches the energy needs of puppiesand thus provides steady, optimal growth. Puppiesshould be fed an appropriate amount of calories thatsupports normal growth but not excessive growth.”

This is especially important for large- and giant-breed dogs that may be predisposed to develop-mental orthopedic conditions. Avoiding overfeedingand excessive weight may help their development,as they have a higher growth rate than smallerbreeds and should be fed a lower energy growthdiet for a longer period of time.

In contrast, toy- and small-breed puppies puppiesmay mature before 1 year of age and have an increasedenergy need relative to their body weight.

“When choosing a puppy food, look forone on which feeding trials have beenconducted,” Fleming advises. “At Purina,we conduct feeding trials on all our puppyfoods. It also is a good idea to discuss the calorie requirements of puppies withyour veterinarian.”

Purina puppy formulas have been tested infeeding trials to ensure they provide completeand balanced nutrition for growing puppies.

PUPPY NUTRITION

Frequently switching foodscan create a picky eater or cause digestive upset in puppies.

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FEED THE DAM FIRSTGiving puppies a good nutritional start in life begins with properly feeding the pregnant bitch. Her energyrequirements increase about 10 percent a week from week six through nine of pregnancy, thus it is especially important to meet those energy needs. Here are tips on nutrition for pregnant bitches.

Pregnant bitches should be fed a high-quality,complete-and-balanced adult maintenance dogfood until week six, then transitioned to a highlydiges ti ble, energy- and nutrient-dense puppy or per-formance dog food from week six through lactation.

Excessive weight gain and obesity in pregnantbitches can cause large fetal birth weight andless effective uterine contractions during labor,leading to dystocia (difficulty birth ing). Withouta C-section, you could lose the bitch and puppies.

Due to the increased size of fetuses, a bitch’s diges-tive tract has limited room to expand after eachmeal. It helps to split food into several meals. Fetuses put on 75 percent of their body weight inthe last trimester.

The first 72 hours are nutritionally critical forpuppies. They rely entirely on the dam’s first milk,colostrum, to receive highly concentrated energyand nutrients, passive immunity and growth factors. Colostrum protects the newborn puppyduring the first 10 to 12 weeks of life.

When introducing puppyfood, mix the puppy foodwith warm water, let itsoak until soft, and thenmash it with a fork orpastry blender. A slightlylumpy consistency, not toodifficult to chew, is good.

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B r e e d Tra i l b l a z e r s

A thick, fluffy snow blankets northeastern Ohio.The fresh white powder from an early-morningheavy snowfall is untracked, as the late afternoonsun peeks through the lofty pine trees, casting anopalescent sheen over the frozen earth.

The silence of this enchanted winter wonderlandsuddenly breaks as Dale Burrier heaves a chukartraining dummy into the frosty air, hollering, “Bird,bird, bird!” and releasing an Airedale Terrier called“Keeper.” Eager and determined, the dog excitedlybolts through the frigid tundra, undaunted by theknee-deep snow and the icy temperature.

The 4-year-old’s athleticism, a combination ofspeed and endurance propelling her through thesnowy cover, is impressive. Using her strong bird-finding ability, Keeper abruptly stops, her gailycarried tail twitching and keen nose going to ground.The tenacious terrier’s head reemerges with thedummy in her mouth. A shrill whistle blows. “Keeper,come!” Dale commands. Moving swiftly throughthe snow, beard glazed with ice, Keeper returnsthe dummy to her handler as quickly as she cap-tured it. This methodical bird dog is a natural inthe field. She is, after all, an all-around Airedaleof Airecraft.

Inside their 1850 Greek revival farmhouse called“Squirrel View” to thaw from the bitterly coldtraining session, breeders Kim and Dale Burrier ofAirecraft Airedales in Newton Falls, Ohio, sayAiredale Terriers are “the world’s best-kept secret.”

“Airedales are distinguished as three-in-onegundogs because of their ability to flush uplandbirds, retrieve waterfowl and track game,” Dalesays. “They’re part spaniel, part retriever and all terrier.”

Investing 30-plus years breeding, training andcompeting with sporting Airedales, the Burriers haveplayed an important role in the breed’s evolutionas a gundog. Not only have they put 27 Airedale

Terrier Club of America (ATCA) Hunting/Work-ing (H/W) titles on their dogs, their first huntingAiredale, “Tally Ho” (Sandhill Aireforce TallyHo, CD, SHV), became the first female in breed

history to earn junior and senior hunting versatiletitles. Another breed first was “Ranger” (StrongbowTexas Ranger, CDX, RN, JHV, SHV), who became

the first “ace in a day” by passing the flushing,

The All-Around

Airedales of Airecraft

‘KING OF THE TERRIERS’Having originated in the Aire Valley in Yorkshire,England, the Airedale Terrier became a highly regarded versatile hunting and working dog inthe early 20th century due to his intelligenceand instinct. The breed’s popularity surgedwhen Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, CalvinCoolidge and Warren Harding broughtAiredales to the forefront of American culture. This sturdy, all-purpose dog is aloyal, doting family companion and strongcompetitor in the field and conformationring. Powerful, well-muscled and the largestof the terrier breeds, the Airedale stands23 inches tall at the shoulder. On his favorite aspect of the breed, AirecraftAiredale breeder Dale Burrier says, “I liketheir distinctive style, brain and clownish wit.”

“Keeper” (CH Airecraft Keep Her Flying) sports anundeniable terrier expression, one of the breed’sdistinguishing characteristics.

B Y K AY L A M I L L E R

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Showcasing the Airedale’s versatility, Keeper primarilycompetes in conformation, but has branched out intohunting and rally.

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retrieving and tracking tests in a single day at the2000 ATCA Wisconsin Hunt Test.

“I credit Tally Ho as the Airedale I learned themost about training sporting dogs,” says Dale.“My accomplishments began with her.”

The Burriers’ longtime efforts helped Airedalesgain admittance to the American Kennel Club (AKC)spaniel hunting test programs. Dale served on theATCA board of directors from 1994 to 2007. Takingan interest in the sport after Dale, Kim is a memberof the ATCA committee, now called the Huntingand Field Committee. They continue to conductATCA and Hunting Working Airedales (HWA) hunttests in flushing, retrieving and tracking/trailingat the junior, senior and master levels.

“I ran in the second AKC spaniel test availableto Airedales in 2009 with ‘Allie’ (Airecraft AileronRoll, RE, CDX, CGC, IDI, JHF) and ‘Emmitt’ (AKC/UKCCH Airecraft Catapult Launch, CD, RAE, BN, GN,JHF),” Dale recalls. “When they handed me thatfirst ribbon, I thought, ‘Wow, this has been 25 yearsin the making.’”

Several dogs they produced have earned AKChunting test titles, some of which currently areworking toward master titles, including “Lou”(Airecraft Louisiana Slough of N VLY, JH, GD) and “Willow” (Airecraft Whomping Willow of NVLY, SH, GD), the first two Airedales to earn ATCAgundog titles since they were offered to the breedin 2013.

Dale’s passion for the breed began in the 1980swhen he got involved with Airedales through obe-dience trials. Although he grew up hunting withhis father, Dale didn’t take notice of the breed’shunting abilities until the early 1990s. The Ohionative began participating in ATCA hunting events,modeled after AKC hunting tests, and met otherenthusiasts who favored Airedales as bird dogs.He quickly learned his dogs’ obedience backgroundscarried over to success in the field.

Meanwhile, in California, Kim was teachingobedience to her first Airedale, “Ginger.” Sheposed a training question in an online forum towhich Dale quickly responded. By mid-1997, Kimhad moved to Ohio, where she worked with Daleon their common interest of training Airedales.

That same year, Dale, who already owned twoAiredales, and Kim stopped in Viola, Tennessee, topick up a puppy from Sandhill Airedales’ breederHenry S. Johnson Jr. “Tailer” (Aireforce Tail Gunner,CDX, JHV, TDI) became Kim’s heart dog and Airecraft’s

THE AIREDALE’S EVOLUTION AS A GUNDOGIn an effort to recognize the Airedale as one of the fewthree-in-one gundogs in the country, the Airedale TerrierClub of America (ATCA) formed the Hunting/Working(H/W) Committee in 1984 to preserve and develop thebreed’s flushing, retrieving and tracking abilities. Overthe years, they have worked tirelessly to promote theAiredale’s prominence as a versatile hunting dog.

In 2007, the ATCA disbanded the H/W Committee,reforming as the Hunting and Field Committee in 2008.Meanwhile, enthusiasts also organized Hunting WorkingAiredales (HWA) Inc., which conducts tests in uplandflushing, retrieving and tracking/trailing, all modeledafter AKC hunting tests, at the junior, senior and masterlevels. In 2009, Airedales were admitted to the AKCflushing-spaniel hunting test program. The ATCAcontinues to work toward admittance into the AKCretriever hunting test program.

As she retrieves a chukardummy thrown by AirecraftAiredale breeder Dale Burrier during a snowytraining session, Keeper exhibits the breed’s stronghunting instinct.

PURINAPROCLUB.COM | 19

foundation bitch. In 1998, they bought Rangerfrom breeders Randy and Sandi Cooley of Strong-bow Airedales in Grafton, Wisconsin. The couplewed in 2000. The following year, they bred Tailerto Ranger.

“Tailer and Ranger had great instincts,” Kim says.“Tailer was a typey Airedale from hunting strainswith a hard, wiry coat, beautiful coloration andoutgoing temperament. Ranger was from show lines.He had a refined look with a longer beard and legfurnishings. By our third generation, the stocksblended seamlessly to produce the healthy, confident,well-balanced Airedales we’re known for today.”

More than 50 Airecraft dogs can be traced backto Tailer. Another prolific producer was “Sara”(Coldstream Airecraft Saratoga, CD, RA), dam to43 puppies from four litters. Now, on their fifthgeneration, Kim and Dale continue to breed multi-talented dogs, emphasizing even temperament andgood health.

Litters typically are bred once a year, with about10 people on a list at all times eagerly waiting on apuppy. Their next litter is planned for later this springwhen Keeper (CH Airecraft Keep Her Flying) will bebred to “Winston” (CH Moraine’s Prime Minister,MHV) via surgical artificial insemination.

“Winston sired Ranger, so we’ll come full circle.We’re getting back to our roots,” says Kim.

‘JACK OF ALL TRADES’Airecraft’s five current dogs, all which have

obedience titles that speak to the breed’s versatility,live with Kim and Dale in their house. Holding titlesacross multiple disciplines are a Tailer daughter,14-year-old Allie, and two Allie sons, 10-year-old“Corey” (Airecraft Bent Wing Bird, CDX, RE) and8-year-old Emmitt, the 2014 Sandhill Brown BessMemorial Award recipient as the highest-scoringdog in an HWA upland hunting test.

Keeper, an Emmitt daughter, is the Burriers’ firstAKC conformation champion and first Airedale toreceive a Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)number for health testing for hips, kidney and heart.Breeder-owner-handled by Kim, Keeper notablycaptured two Group Seconds at the 2013 GeneseeValley (New York) and 2014 Rubber City (Ohio)kennel club dog shows.

Airecraft’s latest addition, 9-month-old “Flyer”(Coldstream Airecraft Just The Wright Stuff), alreadyearned her RATI (Instinct) title in barn hunt, a newsporting adventure for the Burriers.

“Airedales thrive on having a job to do, so we aim to produce handsome, all-around dogs,”says Airecraft Airedale breeder Kim Burrier, shown with husband Dale and their dogs, fromleft, “Emmitt” (AKC/UKC CH Airecraft Catapult Launch, CD, RAE, BN, GN, JHF) and Keeper.

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“Our Airedales have all influenced our programin one way or another,” Kim says.

For Kim and Dale, breeding versatile Airedalesis a way to pay it forward to mentors who guidedthem and further generate interest in dog sports.As volunteers at the Youngstown All-Breed TrainingClub (YABTC) in North Jackson, Ohio, where Daleserves as training school director and Kim sits onthe board as obedience chair, the Burriers nurturepeople into canine sports by teaching obedienceand conformation classes.

“A person may have bought a pet Airedale, butwe hope the dog will open their eyes to other ac-

tivities,” saysDale. “It’s one of the paybacks of being a goodbreeder.”

A typical dayfor the Burriersbegins at 5:30a.m. Dale makes the 45-minute commute to hislandscape architect job in Chagrin Falls, Ohio,while Kim works as a receptionist at the local animal hospital. In the evenings, dogs are fed andlet out to run before heading to the YABTC twice a

Dubbed “Squirrel View,” the Burriers’ home provides an ideal spot from the living room picture window for Airedales,such as Keeper, above, to watch squirrels scamper about.

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week for classes. Afterward, the couple trainstheir Airedales. They arrive home around 11 p.m., when Dale begins grooming Keeperand Flyer for the show ring.

“It makes for some very long days,” Dalesays. “We live for our dogs.”

When litters are on the ground, Airedalesare enrolled in the Headstart Program, a train-ing program developed by professional dogtrainer and Coldstream Airedales’ breederCorally Burmaster of Leesburg, Virginia.During their first two months, puppies areintroduced to sights, sounds, textures, andsurfaces by means of toys, tunnels andramps placed in the yard. Equipment ismoved around every few days to accustomthem to change. Puppies also receive swimlessons, go on car rides and see birds forthe first time.

“The Headstart Program gives people a confident Airedale that’s never timid orfearful,” says Dale. “An Airedale you can doanything with is one that readily acceptschange. He’s not going to be put off by any-thing new.”

Nutrition is another key aspect to developingthese multifaceted dogs. Allie, Corey and Emmittare fed Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND Chicken &Rice Formula, while Keeper and Flyer are fed PurinaPro Plan NATURAL Grain Free Formula.

“Purina Pro Plan brand dog food has made sucha difference in our Airedales. They have dense, shinycoats and firm stool,” Kim says.

The future looks promising for the all-aroundAiredales of Airecraft. Emmitt is training to com-pete at the ATCA Randy Cooley Memorial HuntTest this May in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Keepercontinues to be shown as a Special, earning pointstoward her Grand Championship, and is working onthe Rally Novice title. Besides earning obedienceand barn hunt titles, Flyer is on track to becometheir next AKC conformation champion.

“We continue training our dogs to be well-rounded,” says Kim. “I see new champions andperformance titles in the future.”

Dale agrees. “We want people to remember usthrough our dogs,” he says. “I want our legacy tobe that our Airedales were a smart, healthy, hard-working bunch.” ■

DOUBLE-COATED HUNTERS The Airedale’s black-and-tan coat is one of his mostdistinctive characteristics. Seemingly nonsheddingand considerably hypoallergenic, the coat is hard, denseand wiry, lying straight and close to the Airedale’s body.Behind the stiff, slightly wavy outercoat is a soft under-coat. The layers protect the Airedale from the elementswhile doing what they were bred for, whether exhibitinga flush in the cover or out in the open, retrieving birdsfrom land or water, or tracking/trailing game.

Like most terriers, the broken coat is best maintainedby hand-stripping, as clipping damages the desiredcoarse texture. A time-consuming but important task,Airecraft Airedale breeders Kim and Dale Burrier spendbetween 30 to 40 hours per week stripping, groomingand trimming dogs. “A well-conditioned Airedale catchesthe judge’s eye and helps him stand out as ‘king of theterriers,’” Dale says.

Dale and Kim meticu-lously groom Keeper,focusing on the beardand leg furnishings,in preparation for theshow ring.

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SMOOTH COLLIE ‘DRIVER’ ACCELERATES TO THE TOP OF BREED RANKINGSA 4 ½-year-old male Smooth Collie called “Driver” has been steering hisway straight to the top since beginning his Specials campaign in late 2013under pro handler Laurie Jeff Greer of Flagstaff, Arizona. The No. 1 SmoothCollie in 2014, Multi-BIS/Multi-BISS GCH Travler Kelise Overdrive IT, isreminiscent of his brother “Arrow” (BIS/Multi-BISS GCH Travler’s PierceArrow IT, CGC), who set a Smooth Collie record winning eight Bests inSpecialty Show. Driver took three Bests in Show and two Reserve Bests inShow in 2014. Co-bred by Bree Ardizzone and Garry Lewis with ownersBecky Tehon and Candy Ardizzone, all of Syracuse, New York, Driver is co-owned by Elizabeth Miller of Paoli, Pennsylvania. The handsomeSmooth Collie is fueled by Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Sensitive Skin &Stomach Formula.

Well-balanced with a gentle disposition, “Driver” easily captures attention in show rings.

POINTER NAMED ‘SPEC’ GIVES SOLID PERFORMANCE TO WIN NATIONAL ALL-AGE CHAMPIONSHIP

A 5-year-old male Pointer, Miller’s Dialing In, stylishlycommanded the National Championship for Field TrailingBird Dogs with five covey finds in just the first hour of thethree-hour horseback stake. The 2015 National Champion,fondly called “Spec” due to his orange-and-white ticking,made owner-handler Gary Lester of Gracey, Kentucky, thefirst amateur in history to win the prominent event twotimes, having also won in 2009 with Lester’s Snowatch.Sired by Lester’s male, Miller’s Happy Jack, Spec was the“stud puppy” for the breeding. Lester says, “I like to saythat everyone in the ‘company’ helped train, conditionand prepare Spec for field trials. Ike Todd started him onbirds, and Mark Haynes scouted at the National. Manyothers helped as well.” In the end, it was Spec who dialedin with eight covey finds. Spec is fueled by Purina Pro PlanSPORT Performance 30/20 Formula.

“Spec” put on a spectacular performance to win the National Champi-onship in February at Ames Plantation in Grand Junction, Tennessee.

PURINAPROCLUB.COM | 23

Please visit the Circle of Champions on the Purina Pro Club website at purinaproclub.comto read about top-performing show and sporting dogs powered by Purina.

A spirited, stunning black Scottie named “Knopa” stirredthe excitement on the eve of her retirement by winningBest in Show at the 2015 Crufts Kennel Club Dog Show inBirmingham, England. GCH McVan’s To Russia With Loveoutperformed 21,400 dogs at the world’s largest all-breeddog show after two years on the U.S. circuit with pro handlerRebecca Cross of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The 5 ½-year-old bitch is retiring to live with owner Marina Khenkin inMoscow. “This makes the win all the more special,” Crosssays. A Best of Breed winner at Crufts in 2013 and at West-minster in 2015, Knopa was the No. 1 Scottish Terrier in2013 and 2014 and the No. 3 Terrier in 2014. Vandra Huberand Michael Krolewski, of Woodinville, Washington, bredthe two-time Scottish Terrier Club of America NationalSpecialty winner. Knopa is fed Purina Pro Plan FOCUSSensitive Skin & Stomach Formula.

“Knopa” gave handler Rebecca Cross a surreal moment when shewon Best in Show at the Crufts Kennel Club Dog Show in the U.K.

SCOTTISH TERRIER ‘KNOPA’ WINSLARGEST DOG SHOW IN THE WORLD

Consistency and control over 10 challenging land and waterseries graced the performance of a 7-year-old black maleLabrador Retriever, NFC-AFC Robber’s Stray Bullet, to winthe 2014 National Open Retriever Championship. “A gentle-man on the line, ‘Bullet’ moved well and looked good doingit,” says pro handler Alan Pleasant of Angier, North Carolina.Bullet’s stunning work, which included triple water marks,double blinds, land quads, and combination series, broughtgreat pride to Pleasant, who has handled the dog for ownerMarion “Kippy” Stroud-Swingle of Elverson, Pennsylvania,for two years. The National Open capped a banner yearfor Bullet, the 2014 Purina High-Point Open Dog, AKCHigh-Point Open Dog and Finalist at the National AmateurRetriever Championship under breeder and early trainerDan Hurst of Bullard, Texas. Bullet is powered by PurinaPro Plan SPORT Performance 30/20 Formula.

“Bullet,” cast by pro handler Alan Pleasant, is the first NationalChampion Pleasant handled, though he has trained five NationalChampions.

NATIONAL OPEN RETRIEVER CHAMPION‘BULLET’ HITS THE MARK

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An athletic, spunky hound with a smooth, ground-covering,effortless gait, “Miss P” tapped into the infectious excitementof the crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York to giveone of the best performances of her life, and one deemedby judge David C. Merriam worthy of winning Best in Showat the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

The second Beagle in history to win the prestigious event,AM/CAN GCH Tashtins Lookin For Trouble is the grandnieceof the 2008 winner, “Uno” (CH K-Run’s Park Me In First),the brother of her maternal grandsire. Handled by pro WillAlexander, the 4-year-old 15-inch tricolor Beagle is co-ownedby breeder Lori Crandlemire and her daughter, Kaitlyn, ofEnderby, British Columbia, and Eddie Dziuk, of Columbia,Missouri.

Dziuk, who started in the breed as a junior handler, says,“Miss P’s pedigree is a beautiful combination of the best ourbreed has to offer. Miss P truly is the product of decades’worth of blood, sweat and tears by numerous Beagle breeders,all dedicated to producing sound, healthy hounds that meetthe standard. I am grateful to all of them.”

Coming off two years on the circuit, Miss P finished 2014ranked as the No. 1 Beagle (all systems), No. 2 Hound andNo. 9 in all-breed competition (Dog News system). In 2013,she finished the year in her native Canada as the No. 2 Houndand No. 8 in all-breed competition.

Miss P, who is fed Purina Pro Plan SPORT Performance30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula, is the ninth consecutiveWestminster Best in Show winner fueled by Purina Pro Planbrand dog food. The Reserve Best in Show winner, the SkyeTerrier “Charlie” (GCH Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie), aswell as the other Group First winners, are fed Purina Pro Plandog food.

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‘MISS P’ WOWS AT WESTMINSTERTO WIN BEST IN SHOW

We st m i n st e r