Breeding Quality Show Dogs: A Philosophy of Preservation, Purpose, and ResponsibilityBy Lexa RichmondBreeders' EducationIn an era where trends can dominate the show ring and social media rewards instant visibility, the true art of breeding quality show dogs lies in discipline, patience, and unwavering commitment to the breed itself. Great breeders are not trend-chasers; they are stewards. Their work is measured not by the number of dogs produced or ribbons won in a single season, but by the lasting impact their breeding programs have on type, soundness, temperament, and the future health of the breed.Strong breeding programs are built on the deliberate development of a family of dogs, recognizable, consistent, and capable of reproducing desired qualities generation after generation, rather than on isolated wins or constantly shifting goals.PRESERVING BREED-SPECIFIC TRAITS AND FUNCTIONEvery recognized breed exists for a reason. Structure, coat, movement, head properties, and temperament were developed to serve a specific function, whether in the field, on the farm, or as a purposeful companion. Preservation breeding begins with respect for that history.Breeding decisions should prioritize the traits that define the breed, even when those traits may not align with current fashion. Trends come and go: exaggerated outlines, overdone movement, or generic “prettiness” may win briefly, but they erode breed identity over time. A quality show dog should be immediately recognizable as its breed, not simply a stylish interpretation of it.When breeders stay anchored to purpose, they ensure that beauty is never separated from function. Correct dogs may not always be flashy, but they endure.ADHERENCE TO STRUCTURAL SOUNDNESS AND CORRECT TYPEStructure is the foundation upon which everything else rests. Without soundness, no amount of grooming, presentation, or ring presence can compensate. Breeding quality show dogs requires a rigorous evaluation of structure against the breed standard.Correct proportions, balance, bone, angulation, and movement are essential. The breed standard is not a suggestion; it is a blueprint. Dogs that deviate significantly from correct type, even if they are winning, should not become cornerstones of a breeding program.Sound structure is not about winning today; it is about producing dogs that can move correctly, live comfortably, and remain functional throughout their lives.PRESERVATION AND SOUNDNESS VS. CHASING THE NEXT WINBreeding for the next win is inherently short-sighted. A dog may win because it fits a momentary judging preference, benefits from expert handling, or stands DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 54
out in a limited entry, but those factors do not guarantee long-term value to the breed.Preservation breeding asks a different question: Will this dog strengthen the breed ten or twenty years from now?Chasing wins risks cementing exaggerations, narrowing genetic diversity, and rewarding faults that may be masked in the ring but amplified in future generations. Soundness, by contrast, reveals itself over time and across generations.MAINTAINING A CRITICAL EYE, EVEN ON WINNERSOne of the most difficult disciplines in breeding is maintaining a critical, honest evaluation of one’s own dogs, especially those that are successful in the show ring.Winning does not equal perfection, nor does it automatically mean breeding quality. A dog may win consistently while still possessing faults that should not be perpetuated. Breeders must resist the temptation to excuse faults simply because a dog has a title.The show ring evaluates dogs in a moment. Breeding decisions must consider how faults reproduce, how strengths are passed on, and how the dog fits into a long-term vision for a family of dogs. The ability to say “This dog wins, but it is not the best breeding choice” is a mark of integrity and experience.SHOW DOGS VS. PRODUCERS: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCEOne of the most important lessons in preservation breeding is understanding that not all great show dogs are great producers, and not all great producers are great show dogs.Some dogs are exceptional show dogs, they present beautifully, win consistently, and exemplify many desirable traits, but they do not reliably reproduce themselves. Their offspring may be inconsistent, lacking the balance, type, or soundness of the parent.Conversely, some dogs may never be top winners. They may be plainer, less showy, or lack the ring presence that catches a judge’s eye, but they consistently produce quality. These dogs pass on correct structure, stable temperament, and breed type, strengthening a breeding program generation after generation.Preservation breeders learn to value reproductive merit as much as show success. The true measure of a breeding dog is not what it wins, but what it produces. Overlooking strong producers because they are not glamorous, or overusing winners that do not reproduce, can weaken a program and a breed.THE IMPORTANCE OF GROWING PUPPIES OUTAnother essential discipline is knowing when not to decide too early.Very few dogs are finished products as puppies. Proportions change, fronts open, chests drop, heads broaden, and movement settles with maturity. Puppies that appear plain or awkward early may mature into correct, durable adults.Discarding such puppies prematurely risks “throwing the baby out with the bathwater.” Growing dogs out allows breeders to evaluate adult structure, true movement, and temperament stability, and to better understand how their lines mature and reproduce.MAINTAINING STABLE TEMPERAMENT AND FUNCTIONALITYTemperament is as heritable as structure and just as critical. A beautiful dog with unstable or incorrect temperament is never a quality dog.Stable, breed-appropriate temperament allows dogs to function confidently throughout life. Fearfulness, sharpness, or excessive softness undermine both the breed’s purpose and public trust.DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 55
Temperament often reveals itself fully only with maturity, reinforcing the need for patience and longterm observation.Responsible, Thoughtful Breeding Over VolumeOne of the clearest indicators of a serious breeder is restraint. Producing fewer, well-planned litters allows time to evaluate, grow out, and truly understand the dogs produced.Responsible breeders breed with a purpose. Each litter should answer clear questions: What am I preserving? What am I improving? Quality is never the result of volume; it is the result of discipline, patience, and thoughtful planning.EDUCATION, COLLABORATION, AND CONTINUITYNo breeder works in isolation. Education, mentorship, and collaboration are essential to sustaining breed health and quality. Honest discussions, including successes and failures, strengthen both individual programs and the breed as a whole.Preservation depends on breeders who value continuity over notoriety and responsibility over recognition.CONCLUSIONBreeding quality show dogs is not about producing winners at any cost. It is about producing correct dogs, physically, mentally, and functionally, who strengthen the breed over generations.By breeding for preservation and soundness rather than the next win, maintaining a critical eye even on successful dogs, recognizing the difference between show dogs and producers, allowing time for maturity, and committing to thoughtful, responsible breeding decisions, breeders become true custodians of their breeds.Ribbons fade. Trends pass. But soundness, type, and integrity, once lost, are difficult to reclaim. The breeder’s responsibility is not to win today, but to protect the breed for generations to come.Illustrated Breed Standard - The official Dachshund Standard with detailed drawings depicting correct versus incorrect Dachshund anatomy. Order on the DCA Store: https://www.dachshundclubofamerica.org/list-of-publication/ Dachshund Evaluation Kit – Illustrated Standard Overlays - Based on the Illustrated Breed Standard, transparency overlays help breeders and owners evaluate front/rear angulation and bone structure on individual dogs when placed over photos and prints. Order on the DCA Store: https://www.dachshundclubofamerica.org/list-of-publication/ Breeders Resource Library - An online repository of articles, interactive tools, videos and in-person workshops all designed to support the goal of breeding quality Dachshunds. The Library features an interactive online course, ‘Breeding to the Standard’, which takes a nose to tail look at Dachshund anatomy and why it’s important to breed dogs with these attributes and preserve the breed’s original form and function. Available on the DCA website: https://www.dachshundclubofamerica.org/breeders-resource-library/ DCA Pedigree Database – A repository of over 80,000 AKC registered Dachshunds. Health information and photos for individual dogs, photo pedigrees and test matings including COIs. Available on the Breeders Resource Library or directly through this URL: https://dca.pedigreedatabaseonline.com/en/Four ‘Must Haves’ for Every Breeder’s ToolboxDACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 56
DCA NOHS Spotlight: Kathy LockyerIn this first edition of our Owner-Handled Spotlight series, we sit down with Kathy Lockyer of Lockshire Dachshunds. Her dogs have consistently risen to the top in NOHS and regular rankings since the NOHS competition was introduced in 2012. Tell us about yourself. How did you first become involved in Dachshunds?I can blame my parents for my love of Dachshunds! We were a military family, so we lived all over the world. Mom and Dad bought my first Dachshund for me when I was ten, a smooth standard black and tan named Gretchen. She was always by my side, even when I practiced the flute. Since then, my husband Tom and I have bred standard longhairs, wires, and smooths under the Lockshire kennel name for 39 years. Together, we have also had English Bulldogs, Japanese Chins, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers.We started showing our son David's Bulldog Winston because we were told he was too nice not to show, which proved to be right. But my heart was always with Dachshunds. We were blessed to get \"Sam\" from Miki Perry of Sausage Stables. He became CH DC Sausage Stables Sir Won Again SL CGC VC. We also received a special black and tan girl, \"Bellini\"—CH Dachshire Lady Luck SL—from Cheryl Snedaker Sims. Both ladies became our mentors.What drew you to showing dogs yourself rather than hiring a professional handler?Since the beginning, I have always enjoyed preparing and showing my own dogs for conformation and performance. When the National Owner Handler System was introduced, it seemed a natural fit to compete. We have had a top ranked dog in all three coats. In the Longhairs, a Lockshire dog has been number 1 in NOHS since the program began in 2012. These dogs have included:• GCHP Lockshire's Cash Only Please SL \"Cash\"• GCHG DC Lockshire's Walk the Line SL \"June\"• GCHP Lockshire's Someday I May SL \"May\"• GCHP Lockshire V Splendor Farm Messenger of Strength SL \"Gabriel\"• GCHS Lockshire V Splendor Farm Lady Liberty SL \"Liberty\"• GCHS Lockshire V Splendor Farm Thor's Thunder SL \"Thunder\"What's the most challenging aspect of being anOwner-Handler, and how have you learned to overcome it?We are the only sport in which professional and non-professional handlers compete together. A large percentage of our AKC judges have been professional handlers. That makes those of us who are non-professional handlers have to \"up our game\" in preparation and performance.Judges also have marked in their judge's book who is competing in NOHS. Again, the handlers must be ready to match the readiness and performance of others in the ring. This may include learning more about grooming, training, and perhaps taking handling lessons. Watching other breeds being shown, watching the juniors compete, and studying the judge to whom you will show was a beneficial suggestion given to me. Don't forget to dress the part professionally. Take setbacks and losses as opportunities to by Emi PedrazaDACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 60
Photo by: Anna Szabólearn and improve. Last, but far from least, be positive and confident in yourself and your dog.Tell us about your most memorable wins or moments in the ring. What made them special?There are many special moments in both the NOHS and regular ring. Each dog has given a special memory—winning a NOHS BIS, winning Group Firsts in the regular ring, BIS, or a RBIS. Every victory represents not just the win itself, but the journey with that particular dog and the bond we built together.Can you describe the relationship and camaraderie among Owner-Handlers? Is it more competitive or supportive?Good sportsmanship should be paramount in all rings as well as outside the ring. It is a highly competitive sport for rankings and recognition as well as for putting a championship on a dog. NOHS competitors are showing and proving to the dog world they are worthy of recognition and support from each other, the judges, and the fancy as a whole. I believe NOHS is one of the best programs AKC has instituted in order to keep the excitement and joy in the sport.What kind of time investment does owner-handling require, and what advice would you give someone considering getting started?Ask yourself, \"What do I want from the experience?\" Set your goals and assess the financial, emotional, and time investments. It requires dedication and participation. Winning does not come without a price in all these areas. Don't forget to look for and appreciate the support you get from others. Don't forget to pay back and pay ahead.Looking back on your journey, what has showing dogs taught you about yourself, and how has it enriched your life beyond the ribbons and titles?There is joy and satisfaction in the journey, building relationships with your dogs and building lifelong friendships. The titles and wins are wonderful, but the true reward is the bond you create with your dogs and the community you become part of.Is there anything else you would like to share that would benefit those competing in NOHS or those considering it?When you travel and participate, remember you make all the decisions for your dog. It is ultimately a relationship you build through many activities which may include walks and play. Dachshunds are versatile. They can go to the field, to ground, rally obedience, agility, and much more.Knowledge is power. Learn something new each time you participate in any event.This is a journey, a marathon not a sprint.DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 61
JudgingAbroad by Maggie PeatI was honored to be invited to judge the Canterbury Dachshund Club Platinum Anniversary Show on Thursday, 25th September 2025 in Christchurch, New Zealand.For the year between the invitation and traveling to New Zealand, the excitement and planning was all consuming. The country itself is like a postcard, and I enjoyed many experiences on both the North and South Island including visits to the International Antarctic Center, Mount Cook, Weta Workshop and the expansive, exquisite countryside. Turning to my judging assignment, it was a lovely entry of 86 Dachshunds the day before the 2nd New Zealand Dachshund National. The club created a memorable and welcoming event for all involved. The New Zealand standard is similar to both the AKC and The Royal Kennel Club standard. However, unlike in the United States, there are six separate breeds with three coat types and two sizes. For miniatures, there is a weight recommendation, and all dogs are weighed prior to entering the ring, though being over the limit is not a disqualification.Longhairs were my first variety with an entry of 15. My Best of Breed winner was a balanced and typey bitch with easy movement and great temperament. Reserve Best of Breed was the Best Dog whose front was placed slightly more forward than the bitch but also pleasing head and overall type with short hocks and easy movement. BEST BITCH & BEST OF BREED: CH Ruselen Ice Crystal from Intermediate Bitch. BEST DOG & RESERVE BEST OF BREED: Mornoble Strategic Moves (IMP AUS) from Junior DogAs mentioned, the miniatures are all weighed prior to entering the ring and if oversized the steward notifies me prior to the class starting. Miniature Longhairs were the 2nd breed with 8 dogs entered. While the miniature longhair dogs were of good type and temperament, I felt they were significantly underweight for healthy condition. I made the difficult decision to award Best Dog, but I did not award a Challenge Certificate or Reserve due to the dogs being underweight in my opinion. When the Baby Puppy bitch class entered the ring, I couldn’t hide my smile. The cream baby girl had bone and overall substance while being of appropriate size for her age. She had a lovely conical head with dark pigment and sound movement. Reserve Best of Breed was the reserve bitch from puppy. The breeders of these young dogs should be proud that their programs are producing such quality dogs. BEST DOG: CH Laechelon Nzed Marble Affect from Open Dog. (Not pictured)BEST BITCH AND BEST OF BREED: Glendara Sugar N’Spice from Baby Puppy BitchRESERVE BEST OF BREED: Laechelon Taonui Queen Nui from Puppy BitchDACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 66
The final breed was Miniature Wirehairs with an entry of 2. These dogs were both worthy of their certificates and the young dog was the easy Best of Breed winner. I was pleased to have the entire ringside applaud the almost 10-year-old veteran bitch. BEST DOG & BEST OF BREED: Wickerby Black is BackBEST BITCH & RESERVE BEST OF BREED: Muento Burleske VidaI was pleased with all my winners and Best In Show and Reserve Best in Show were both the Wirehair winners owned by Nicky Caddick. She also bred the BIS winner and as you can see, she has excellent choice in fashion as well. My biggest thanks to the Canterbury Dachshund Club but most especially each and every breeder/exhibitor that allowed me the chance to evaluate their dogs. The future of Dachshund in New Zealand looks bright.BEST DOG & BEST OF BREED: CH Markwell Blurred Lines from Junior DogBEST BITCH & RESERVE BEST OF BREED: CH Alicenwunderland of Pentaki from NZ Bred BitchOverall, the 12 Wirehairs were the strongest variety with the most difficult choices. Upon reviewing the catalog, my Best Dog/Reserve Best of Breed and Reserve Bitch were the sire and dam of my Best Bitch/Best of Breed and Reserve Best Dog. The Best Dog is a UK import that could have been Best of Breed here in the US anytime. He comes from the well-known Treis Pinheiros kennel of South America via the UK and has made his mark with the get I was presented. The Best of Breed bitch while young had beautiful proportions, more than adequate prosternum with balanced angles and sound movement. BEST DOG & RESERVE BEST OF BREED: ENG & NZ CH Stanegate Salvador (IMP GBR) from Stud Dog/Open DogBEST BITCH & BEST OF BREED: Szamor Gin and Bare It from Puppy BitchThe next breed was Smooths with an entry of 11. The junior dog had a beautiful head, rear angles, overall type and was awarded Best Dog. He was similar type to what I see in many US dogs, and upon reviewing the catalog after judging the sire of Best Dog is a Brownwood dog, so no surprise it looks familiar. Best of Breed and Best Bitch was the veteran bitch who was also sired by an American dog and while her photo may not show it, she had excellent balance, topline and easy movement. It’s inspiring to see the influence of American lines contributing to the quality seen in New Zealand. BEST DOG & RESERVE BEST OF BREED: NZ & AUST CH Adbesare Gift Wrapped in Red (IMP AUS) from Junior Dog.BEST BITCH & BEST OF BREED: CH Cerberus Vesta at Dachsford from Veteran Bitch.Miniature Smooth entry was the largest with 38 dogs. This breed had many quality dogs, and I had multiple difficult decisions. I was pleased to not have any concerns about any of the dog’s weight/condition in either sex. Ultimately, I selected the junior dog for Best Dog & Best of Breed that showed himself with beautiful head, expression, balanced angels, solid topline and easy movement. Reserve Best of Breed was the Best Bitch had better ribbing to loin proportions but not as attractive of a head. Both these dogs would be positive contributions to a breeding program with overall excellent quality. DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 67
The Most Important Judge at the Showby John BradingWhen we enter our dogs in Conformation events, one of the most important considerations in choosing the events to enter is the judge.Does the judge know what they’re doing with our breed? How much experience does the judge have in evaluating our breed? Will the judge be able to fairly and even-handedly compare our dog(s) to the other dogs in the ring? Who mentored the judge in preparation for his/her application to judge our breed? All of these factors are really critical to truly fully understand our breed.After all, our breed is unique in so many ways—long and low, the level topline with slightly arched loin, the long, muscular neck, the very prominent forechest, the long keel, the wraparound front, and, while moving, the long front reach without excessive lift and the driving force of the rear, and the fact that this is a breed that is a hunter and should move effortlessly in order to get through the field unencumbered. So, who is the most important judge. The breed judge? The group judge? The best in show judge? These are the people who award the championship points. Their placements create the “breed points” or “all-breed points” that are utilized to establish the rankings. These rankings bring attention to your dog. These rankings, the ribbons, the awards all create the buzz about your dog.So, who is it? Who’s the most important judge?You are. Ribbons, points, trophies, rankings are not what’s important. What’s important is the quality of the dogs. Whether the judges are able to judge and place the dogs properly, doesn’t really matter in the big picture. Dog shows are meant to be for the evaluation of breeding stock. The breeders, owners, and handlers are the ones who ultimately make the decisions about breeding. These decisions should never be made based on which dog has the most wins, most points, or highest rankings.Breeders, owners, and handlers must be fervent students of the breed. Before showing and/or breeding individuals should know everything they can about the breed. We should take advantage of all learning opportunities available. If there are seminars, we should go. If there are events with significant entries—in the ring or in the field—we should make every effort to be there. We may learn more as spectators than we can as a competitor simply because the pressure is off. We should observe other breeds—similar or dissimilar. By looking at other breeds it may cement in our minds what makes a Dachshund a Dachshund.We should seek out others in the breed who can act as mentors. Sometimes there’s a lot to be learned by just being in a group of breeders and listening to them. Whether they intend to teach you or not, they will often talk about their own dogs or their impressions of others’ dogs.Bottom line…when in the ring showing or outside of the ring watching or sitting at home watching the big show on TV, whether it is your intention to breed or just to show, you should be judging. You should be judging every dog in the ring. When you have an opportunity, you should examine the parentage on every dog in the ring. The only way to learn is to observe, to listen, to watch closely, to study, to discuss. And while you’re at it, keep in mind that you should be judging your own dog. Your dog is not perfect. None of them are. If you can’t turn an objective eye on your own dog and compare it to the others, you have no business breeding anything.So, as the old saying goes, “You be the judge.” It’s the only way to be a part of the preservation of this wonderful breed for the future.DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 70
Why It’s Not Always Cool to Be an ExpertOVERVIEWThe survival of the sport and preservation of our breed does not hinge on creating more participants or louder “experts,” but on cultivating humility, teachability, and long-term commitment to science-backed ethical breeding.1. Dog shows have evolved, whether we like it or not!2. Numbers alone won’t save junior showmanship, and therefore, our sport.3. Winning in juniors is the hook and the byproduct of hard work, not the goal!4. Quality juniors are students of the craft.5. Established breeders, the responsibility lies on you!6. “Expert culture” is harmful if it shuts down learning.The 25th AKC National Championship has now come and gone. One of my favorite parts of attending these shows (which are inconveniently across the country from here in California) is talking to the breeders that I seldom see.Walking away with some insight from mentors in the breed, here’s how I feel:I’m aware many will disagree with me, but I want to emphasize that this comes from a place of deep respect and appreciation for the breeders that have remained steadfast in their mission to preserve the Dachshund breed.The first hard truth to hear is that the original use of dog shows, which is evaluating breeding stock, is no longer relevant to the public’s initial interest in dogs.Our society over the last few decades has undergone a shift in how the general public views the utility and purpose of animals, especially dogs. Gone are the days of puppy buyers coming to look for a dog intended for its original purpose at your local dog show. No, they’re looking for pets. And if they’re looking for a working dog, they’re going to other places.The small percentage of the population that still cares about type, structure, and the integrity of the breeds they are working with are the breeders. Those of us who dedicate our lives to our dogs in this way are outnumbered. If our ‘breed’ of dog person dies, so do the dogs that make up all purebred dog events. A core few are holding up the rest!This means that dog shows today are about community, breed preservation, and yes, keeping tradition alive.So how does this tie into junior showmanship?“WE WANT BIGGER NUMBERS!”It’s something we all read about Junior showmanship … numbers are down and our sport is dwindling! We’re on the brink of extinction!Well, yes and no. It doesn’t help that the economy hasn’t allowed for padded income, but we’ve seen by Ava HataDACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 76
some industries thrive (especially select equine programs) even through tougher times.Sheer numbers WILL NOT save us here! Quality over quantity every time.WHAT MAKES A “QUALITY” JUNIOR?Most dedicated juniors will learn to show, groom, and care for a dog. Very few will stay to learn how to breed them. This is the kicker and this is why the majority of incredibly talented individuals don’t actually end up giving back to the sport in the most important way:By breeding better dogs and continuing tradition ethically!As a junior, you may win, which often is necessary to act as a hook to bring new individuals into the sport, but later you must make the choice to learn how to learn. This includes learning how to make difficult decisions in the breeding shed, writing contracts, using discretion when working with other breeders and evaluating the market to see if it’s an appropriate time to breed. This has little to do with winning, but everything to do with getting an education, using science, research, and knowing enough to select good mentors to learn from.WHAT’S THERE TO DO?As the breeders working to represent the very best of our breed, I’m coming to you to ask you to raise a generation of leaders, yes, but also a generation of good, intensive, and discretionary “followers”.DCA does an exceptional job with juniors events and support. I think it’s time we introduce the next generation to breeders education and intertwine their experience with a classical education in dogs. Breeders, make sure you are treating every prospective member of our sport as a student of structure and breeding!It’s hip to be teachable, something I am often not. But I’ve gained so much from so many incredible individuals that are willing to help me so long as I come to the conversation as an honest individual looking to truly learn, not just to win.I don’t think we need any more experts. It’s not my goal to be an expert. We need educated, experienced, knowledgeable and integrity-filled mentors who are dedicated to learning so that they may teach us, the next generation, how to also learn and apply those lessons to our breeding programs.That is how we start to “save” a sport!DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 77
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This exciting new Performance Register of Merit (PROM) program is intended to recognize outstanding dachshunds who produce multiple talented dogs who excel in companion and performance canine sports while ensuring maintenance of the Breed Standard. The PROM program is proud to announce our first qualifier:DC Scoshire Scherizade O’Siddachs “Zod”CD, RI, NAJ, OAP, OJP, MXE2, SXE3, EE2, CA, SWN, SWA, THDN, CGC, TKN, VC, ROMXOwned by: Constance FisherIn qualifying for the PROM, Zod produced two beautiful and talented performance champions: • “Henri”, DC Beldachs’ An American In ParisO’Siddachs, BN, RI, ME, SXE, CA, BCAT, SWN, CGC, TKN, VC. Henri was also on the cover of the DCA Newsletter as a “7-way” Dachshund, and • “Copland”, DC Beldachs’ Appalachian SpringO’Siddachs, SWA, SCE, SBE, CGC,TKN “Zod” also produced two other very talented dachshunds who are outstanding breed champions, “Ella”, GCHS Beldachs’ A Song In My Heart O’Siddachs, RI, CGC, TKN (who was #1 Miniature Wirehaired Female in 2019) and “April”, CH Beldachs’ April In Paris O’Siddachs, RI, NJP, CGC “Zod” is now 17 ½ and not only has she produced talented dogs, but she is also truly accomplished herself. As Connie says, “If Sidney Stafford only knew, she may have written a doggie version of Dr. Suess’ book…. ”Oh the places you’ll go” about her! Zod began her journey almost from the day she came home with Connie. She started in Wisconsin at DCA 2010 where she earned her first leg in Obedience. Fast forward to 2012 when Zod was honored to become the DCA Triathlon Dog of the Year competing in the DCA Field Trial, Earth Dog and Obedience events. Zod also competed and earned titles in Agility, multiple titles in Earth Dog and most recently in Scentwork. Zod welcomed every new challenge or adventure and embraced it all with gusto. She is a DCA Versatility Title holder and has a ROMX in the Register of Merit program. This sweet, talented girl spent many hours as a therapy dog as well, greeting everyone she met with a roll onto her back and a “hi five”. Connie says she is that “once in a lifetime” dog who has done anything she was ever asked to do with joy and excitement. She graced the cover of the DCA Newsletter as a new “7-way” Dachshund in 2016. When Connie became a DCA Board member nearly a decade ago, she said she wanted to advocate for Dachshunds that could \"do it all\". Her initial goal was to expand the ROM program to include Earth Dog. The outgrowth of that is the new Performance Register Of Merit - PROM Program. Connie says she is thrilled that “Zod” is the first official dog to receive this award. Most importantly though, “Zod” has been her very loving companion, her snuggle-buddy and a constant reminder that we have special friends who will always be a part of us for a lifetime. She says she can never thank Sidney enough for entrusting her with this wonderful girl, whose children, and now grandchildren, are following in her “paw steps”!!Left: CoplandCenter: HenriRight: Zod CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FIRST Performance Register of Merit (PROM) Qualifier DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 82
‘Bubbles’ TC WHITE RIDGE SPARKLING STAR RA MX MXJ SE CGC VCDenny Van Hook DVM‘Skipper’GCH DC DACHSHIRE SON OF A SAILOR SL RN ME CGC VC ROMXDenny Van Hook DVM‘Geena’ CH INSIGHT'S A LEAGUE OF HER OWN ROMOUPDATED DEADLINES : PERFORMANCE REGISTER OF MERIT PROGRAM (PROM) In response to feedback from the membership, the DCA Board of Directors has approved a change to the timeline for this new program to help with implementation. The PROM program will begin accepting applications as of 1 Jan 26 as planned; however, the current ROM program will continue to accept Field Champions and Obedience Champions for an additional year, until 1 Jan 2027. This will give people currently working toward this title an additional year to complete that goal. The new additional Qualitative Requirements for the ROM program will be implemented as of 1 Jan 26 as planned. They include 1) Best in Show in the Owner Handler Group Competition at an AKC All-Breed Show, and 2) Select Dog, Select Bitch at DCA Host Specialty Shows.New Performance Register of Merit Qualifiers Congratulations!PERFORMANCE REGISTER OF MERIT EXCELLENTDACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 83
CRITERIA IS CRUCIAL Agility Start LinesBy Sharon McDonaldLet's assume for the purposes of this article that you have been training your dog in agility for a couple of years. Your dog has all the skills necessary to complete a standard agility course. We will assume that you’ve taught your dog a “sit-stay.” You've got 12 weave poles. You can execute front crosses and rear crosses and blind crosses. You have a running contact or maybe a stopped contact on the dog walk. You have a running contact or a stopped contact on the A frame. You have either a 2-on-2-off or a stopped contact on the Teeter. As you are reading this, can you envision what your criteria is for your dog walk? What about your criteria for the Teeter? And your criteria for the A-frame? What about your start line, do you have a criteria at the start line? So often in agility, the intensity of our training is focused on our obstacle performance. That's actually quite reasonable. Unfortunately, an often neglected area is defining, adhering to and reinforcing performance criteria – ESPECIALLY at the start line. It is my hope to use this column to examine the importance of “criteria” in your training and competing. We’ll start at the start … the Start Line that is …SUCCESS STARTS AT THE START LINE!Once you enter the ring, take off your leash and approach the start line, the gauge which will determine the success of your run also starts. I firmly believe that success starts at the start line.So let me ask you to imagine that you are approaching the start line. What is your start line routine? What is your criteria? Do you even have a set routine? For me, my start line criteria is very defined. I escort my dog about 8 to 10 ft back from the first obstacle. I tell my dog to sit and stay, and I begin to walk away. I constantly keep eyes on my dog. If my dog moves, stands up, sniffs, or does anything other than remain in the position that I left her in, I stop and reinforce with a verbal \"sit\" command. Assuming my dog cooperates, I continue my lead out. Once I arrive at my intended lead out distance, I pause and wait at least a short beat. I ensure that my dog is looking at me. I then give a verbal release command, which is usually DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 84
the word \"go\", and then I follow with my own motion. I call this my Ready-Set-Go system.READY SET GO!Think about playground races in school. Can you remember hearing “ready, get-set, go”? Think about Olympic track and field: “Runners to your mark, set, bang.” What about auto drag racing: Red light, yellow, green! Can you think of other examples of ready-set-go?I’m short and I’m slow. It is imperative that I can lead out to get a good head start and lead my dog from the front. I have created a very predictable and reliable Ready-Set-Go sequence of events at the start line. Let’s take a look at this.READY - The \"ready\" is putting my dog in a sit position, firmly saying \"stay\", and walking away. This informs my dog that you are to wait here in this place that I have left you, but be alert and on standby, ready to leave soon. I watch my dog the entire time as I'm leaving and I expect my dog to be watching me. I may continue to speak to my dog such as “good stay” of “watch me” or “are you ready.” This creates and maintains focus on me. If my dog starts sniffing or loses focus on me, I pause and calmly say their name to regain their attention. I proceed until I have reached my planned lead out mark.What is your “ready” position? Is it a sit, a down, or even a stand? Do you use a trick to get them in position such as “middle” between your legs or place them in heel position? Do you have this as a routine each and every time you go in the ring?SET - The \"set\" part of my system occurs when I pause at my lead out destination and position my body accordingly (feet, shoulders, etc). This puts my dog on high alert and calls for her highest level of attention, waiting for the next step which will be the \"go\". This pause not only puts her on alert, but gives me my mental moment to position myself for the handling that is to come. My body language gives my dog the information of where to go once the release occurs. A LOT OF INFORMATION is happening at this \"pause\".GO - My release word is “GO!.” The \"Go\" is a verbal command giving my dog permission to take off and DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 85
begin the course. I say “go” and then I begin my movement. I never ever release on motion. I say GO, and then I move. I don’t wait for my dog to catch up before I begin my motion. If I need to wait, then my lead out was too far. Do you have a predictable release word? I use “GO!.” Others may use “OK” or “BREAK” and so forth.READY-SET- GO IS A PREDICTABLE PATTERNUsing this process with repetitive exactness lets my dog know that the \"go\" will never come as a surprise. The \"go\" is always going to come after I pause. My dog should never release herself until I pause and say the word “go.” By reinforcing this routine every single time I go in the ring, I can get a very reliable lead out on almost any course with any dog I've ever run in agility. I should add, importantly, that I rehearse this criteria always, be it in practice or in the ring.Without a predictable repetitive criteria coming from you, your dog may never know when the release is coming. If you put your dog on a stay and lead out and then turn while you're in motion and shout “okay go,” your start doesn't have any predictability. As a result, you build stress and anticipation in your teammate. You can't proceed directly from “ready” to “go.” It's unfair to your dog. Your dog needs you to be more patterned and predictable. If I haven't yet convinced you of the importance of having solid, predictable start line criteria, let's look at some rationale. Very often I watch fellow exhibitors leave their dog on a start line, turn, walk away and lose connection with the dog. Often the exhibitor here's a beep and then sees their dog race past them, much to their surprise. The dog was left to her own accord to guess when the release was coming. She anticipated, perhaps in her eagerness to start. This is frequently a result of lost connection combined with a handler that releases suddenly with motion. The ensuing run can transform to chaos thereafter. In this scenario, the dog has taken the lead, and the Handler is playing catch up. Runs that start with chaos rarely lead to Qs.THE TIME MY CRITERIA SLIPPED!I was at an agility seminar with my young Working English Cocker. She had a solid start line using readyset-go in her training. On this day, she was as high as a kite and excited to start. As I left her at the start line and walked away, I could hear her squealing and see her feet shifting with excitement. I thought I had a start line stay, but her behavior was shaking my DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 86
confidence. I also felt pressure to perform as I was being watched by the presenter and participants. I broke my routine by not adding in my pause. Even though I had slowed my movement, I didn't come to a complete pause, and I released her while I was still moving. I had become so focused on beating her to the release that I bailed on my criteria. The sequence was a disaster. I forgot where I was going and all my handling was late. The seminar presenter made me work on my start line. My ego was bruised. I wanted to work sequences and handling and all the sexy stuff. He said one of the wisest things that stuck with me since: \"How can you focus on all the handling when you can't get beyond your focus at the start line?\" That made so much sense. When all the attention is squandered at the start line, how can we focus and execute the handling? From that day forward, I worked to build my start line stays to make them so reliable that I did not need to stress over them. EXCEPTIONSOf course, there are always exceptions. There are several variations of lead outs such as lateral lead outs, starts with a tunnel, and other scenarios which may create some variation. Sometimes you may need a short lead with fast motion followed by hard deceleration to cue a tight turn or wrap. Some start sequences may call for a running start. Even in these circumstances, wherever possible, I strive to use the ready-set-go. START LINE STRESS Many dogs may exhibit a stress behavior at the start line. My guy Raycer will sniff. My girls Evan and Gee! would stand and shake after I removed their slip lead leashes. Some will bark or yawn. It is important for you to recognize these stress behaviors. Instead of fighting against the stress, I chose to let my dogs get those behaviors out of their systems before I commenced my “ready” step. For example, I could not ever train Evan and Gee! to NOT stand and shake after removing the leash. I acknowledged that they needed to do this. Thus, I just built it in to my start line routine. I remove the leash, let them shake and wait them out. Once the shake is complete, I get them in heel position, give the verbal “sit” and “stay,” and we begin. For Raycer, similarly, after I remove his slip lead, I let him sniff for a brief moment. I will then redirect his attention to me using his name, move him into heel position, and begin the “ready” step. For my high energy English Cocker Spaniel who stresses UP, I take off her slip lead and ask her for “middle.” Middle is a trick we play where she goes around me and comes up to a sit position between my legs. This little game / trick gets her refocused on me and is calming. STRESS happens. Work with it instead of fighting against it.CONCLUSION There's so much required of a handler to navigate through a course. When all the attention is squandered at the start line, how can we focus and execute? Build a reliable and predictable start line criteria for your teammate. Don't deviate and be 100% compliant yourself, in training and in trialing. Establish the predictable criteria so you jump off the start line with confidence.One Mind Dogs is an excellent training resource: https://www.oneminddogs.comThey have a good self-guided study course on building your startline routine. They include how to train your stay, choosing positions, vocabulary, variations on lead outs, and proofing. There are certainly other resources through your own trainers as well as online courses.Good luck. READY – SET - GO!DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 87
The AKC National Tracking Invitational (NTI) is a prestigious event, to celebrate and showcase dogs who earned the title of Champion Tracker (CT) between January 1, 2014, through June 30, 2025. This elite group of tracking dogs earned their CT and the honor of an invitation to participate in this event by titling in tracking events held in field (Tracking Dog and Tracking Dog Excellent) and in urban (Tracking Dog Urban and Variable Surface Tracking) environments.NTI is an exhibition of teams that have earned the AKC title of “Champion Tracker.” The NTI is not a pass or fail event, rather all teams complete their tracks without assistance from the judges (unassisted) or with help from the judges (assisted). Some dogs are retired from competition but come to the NTI to celebrate their achievements. The Nebraska Kennel Club and Cornhuskers Kennel Club hosted this year’s event as they did for the prior two events. Prince and I completed his Champion tracker title and Triple championship in October 2023. Of 41 teams that entered for one of the twelve available spots, we were incredibly lucky to be drawn into the test on our first chance to enter. Prince and I focused on other sports since completing his CT, only rarely doing tracks for fun. Preparing for the NTI helped me remember that tracking has been our favorite activity over the last nine and a half years. We prepared as best we could from the day we submitted our entry to our test day. Most of the Midwest experienced severe drought in the summer of 2025 and many of us noticed a change in the way our dogs tracked as fall approached. I fine-tuned my mental conditioning along with Prince’s physical conditioning and mental endurance to be ready for the Invitational. From start to finish, the NTI was a wonderful celebration of our dogs and true sportsmanship among exhibitors and volunteers. The host clubs planned every detail to ensure wonderful memories for those of us honored to be there. I knew when we completed our track (regardless of whether we needed PARTICIPATING IN THE 2025 AKC NATIONAL TRACKING INVITATIONALBy Linda AlkemaDACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 88
assistance or not) that it was a dream come true just to be there. The Invitational officially starts as the judges plot tracks that are hybrid in nature, consisting of elements from both TDX and VST tracking tests. Tracks take advantage of the terrain of the property, are aged two to four hours and are up to 800 yards long. Of the twelve total tracks for the event, six tracks run on Saturday and the rest on Sunday. Stephany Monteleone and Coco sponsored Track #2 on Saturday. They have previously run in the NTI and continue to support it. I only wish I could have drawn their track, but my track was on Sunday. AKC and the host clubs held an awards dinner on Saturday evening. Invitees received beautiful custom photos and rosettes to commemorate the event and our participation.Finally, it was Sunday morning, and I was excited to have our opportunity. My only worry was the weather knowing Prince has become sensitive to heat as an older dog. Fortunately, luck was on our side as we drew the first track of the day! We worked slowly but steadily moving through the field near a lake with winds up to 20 mph. After finding his first article, Prince decided it was a good place to pounce on a vole. After having a conversation with him about how important this was to me, Prince got right back to work, making our way to the next challenge. We came to a road crossing at what must have been a different angle than where the track was laid. This involved a bit of handling and patience on my part and his as we worked it out despite the winds. We eventually backed up to the spot we had last been tracking, Prince took me across the road, correctly found the track and then a wonderfully placed article. Afterward we went into the ‘Safari’ as the judges later called it. The prairie grass was well over my head and was very difficult for Prince to maneuver over the branches and path. Across the road again and down the hill to the final article. We PASSED WITHOUT ASSISTANCE!!! We were one of just three teams to accomplish this and received many compliments on Prince’s persistence and determination. We were honored to represent our breed and show just what Dachshunds can do! DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 89
figure 8 RetrieverPerformance BragsCH Raydachs Fireball V Daybreak SW RN CGC\"Rocket\"After finishing his Championship in April 2025, Rocket wanted to try new things! Here he is getting his CGC title at the Bloomington Indiana Kennel Club shows. I love his little mortarboard!Owner: Deborah TresslerEmail: [email protected] Raydachs Fireball V Daybreak SW RN CGC\"Rocket\"Rocket continued his fun in the summer of 2025 by getting his Rally Novice B title under Judge Joni Monich. By year end, Rocket had two Rally Intermediate legs as well as two Beginner Novice B Obedience legs.Owner: Deborah TresslerEmail: [email protected] Raydachs Fireball V Daybreak SW RN CGC\"Rocket\"Rocket’s first weekend of field trials was with Central Ohio Dachshund Club in September 2025. Thank you judges for his NBQ and Fourth Place OAAD wins! Rocket is pictured here thanking Judges John Merriman and Cliff Shrader for his Third Place OAAD win at the Hoosier Dachshund Club November 2025 field trials. Fun times!Owner: Deborah TresslerEmail: [email protected] CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 90
GCHS DC Robinwoods Aim To Be Awesome W CGC TKN SWN SCNE SIA \"COLT\"Sire: GCHS Daybreaks Awesome Image W ROMX Dam: GCHB Robinwoods Champagne and Diamonds W ROMColt excels in the ring, field and scent work.Owner: Cindy NlesEmail: [email protected] Robinwoods Sweet Assets W SCN SEN SBN \"Rizzoli\"Sire: GCHS Daybreaks Frozen Assets WDam: CH Robinwoods Sweet Champagne WRizzoli attended three trials over 2 weekends and earned three scent work titles. Pictured as just one of three who qualified in an entry of 20Owner: Cindy NilesEmail: [email protected] BragsDACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 91
Daybreak's Jump The Gun W BCAT, SWN, TKN \"Connor\"Conner has developed into a very honest Scent Work partner. He is working on advanced titles, however if given the opportunity he will take on the \"plastic\" bunny.Owners: Conner resides in Texas with his owner Lora MegliEmail: [email protected] Daybreak's Music And Lyrics W SWA, SCME, SIE \"Parry\"Parry is spending his senior years competing in Scent Work detective class.Contact: Parry is trained and loved by Lora MegliEmail: [email protected] CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 92
It is a special pleasure to write this article knowing that this is the Performance Issue of DCA Magazine. For this month, let’s focus on go-outs.The utility exercise called “Directed Jumping” is not only a 2-part exercise, but each part is composed of two skills that the dog has to learn to be successful. Briefly, the handler and dog set up at one end of the ring in the center. The handler sends the dog (the go-out), who runs straight to the other end of the ring. Before the dog reaches the ring gate (or other barrier), the handler calls the dog to sit. After the sit, the judge tells the handler which jump, and the handler directs the dog to take the jump. The dog jumps and fronts to the handler. The exercise ends after the finish and the judge says exercise finished. There are a lot of variables to the go-out. The dog might take a jump on the way out (nq), stop too short (nq), go to a corner (points), etc. What makes go-outs fun is that it’s a skill you can start teaching to puppies. And this skill can be used in rally (send to cone) and agility (sending away from you to a jump, tunnel, contact, and weaves).The goal of working with the puppy is to introduce the term “go” and for the puppy to learn what your arm/hand signals mean. You can begin teaching the puppy once the puppy knows its name and understands sit. Make sure you have treats. Sitting on the floor (or with our dogs, on a bed), toss a treat a very short distance (2 feet) while gently holding the dog. Say go and release. When the dog gets to the food, say sit. Please keep in mind that the sit is not going to be lightening fast for a puppy! Right now this is a game. After the puppy sits, use your reward marker (YES!) and gently toss a treat either with your right hand or left hand, using the motion you use for directed jumping. The dog is learning to leave your side, sitting from a short distance away, and moving in the direction you motion with your arms. Just keep this as a fun game until the dog has matured to the point of being able to go further away from you. And as an aside, once the dog understands that “go” means move away from you, it can be paired with the different sports you compete in. For example, I use “go-back” for a go-out, and “go-cone” for agility. Years ago when I was competing in agility, I used “go-box” to send the dog to the box for the sit or down…and that just aged me! Once the dog is old enough to train in an area that looks similar to a ring, you can make the game a bit more formal. Using an analogy, just like many computer problems can be solved using old DOS solutions (ctrl-alt-delete), many obedience training guidelines go back to how we taught the stay exercise. Always think distance and time. Start the go out close to the end stanchion. Then, as the dog learns, slowly move back. There is no need to rush the learning process. Let’s now look at how to teach the go-out for success. Connie Cleveland emphases that the two main mistakes in go-outs are dogs stopping short and crooked go-outs. There are many ways to teach this exercise. In this article I am going to combine techniques used by our top trainers.STEPS TO GO-OUTS1. From up close to the rear stanchion, teach the “mark”. Some people use a hand signal and some use a word. You may wish to use a different hand signal than you use for the directed retrieve BRENDA A. RIEMER, OBEDIENCE ENTHUSIAST & JUDGEDACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 94
exercise. I used the word “look”. You can place a treat or spray cheese on the stanchion as you teach this. What you want is that the dog’s head moves from looking at you to looking at the stanchion. And put the treat/cheese low on the stanchion! The dog needs to see it and be able to reach it. This is also when you can teach the dog to touch/bop the stanchion. This becomes the default behavior unless you say sit.2. Once the dog has the “mark”, then you can slowly wean it off the cheese/treat. Now you can send and start to incorporate the sit. To do this, start close, “look”, “go-back”, and with you right behind the dog, “sit”. You can have a treat in your hand when saying sit so that the dog learns to turn.3. Once you can send the dog from around 5 feet and the dog sits, now you can toss the treat with your right or left hand the same way you did it with a puppy. This teaches the dog the angle they will be taking to the jumps.4. Last, the use of guides is very helpful so that dogs learn to run straight (which is not natural to them). You can use broad jump boards on their side, yard sticks, etc. Many of us never stop using guides at the end point as a training reminder.5. If your dog is reluctant to move away from you, you can add “pouches” to the training. Have a small pouch and put a treat in it (Velcro closure). Teach the dog to retrieve the pouch. Many dogs love flying out to retrieve the pouch and bring it back to you for the treat. If you use this, remember not to say anything if you want the dog to bring you the pouch (go-back…silence until pouch comes to you and you reward). The dog has to learn that silence means go all the way, and “sit” means to stop and ignore what might be out there. Similarly, if you teach a “touch” at the stanchion, the default is the touch. Having a default helps to stop the dreaded “short go-out syndrome”.ADDING JUMPSIt is a choice if you add jumps to the go-out picture when first teaching or if you wait. Once added, since you are teaching, put the jumps down to 2” maximum. Dogs don’t need to jump full height while learning this. Teach the jumps separately. The steps are:1. Put the jumps close together and stand between them. The dog and you are close to the jumps. For this portion of the exercise, the dog will slowly be moved back and then the handler will move back until the full distance is reached.2. As the dog learns, slowly move the jumps further apart. The end spacing is 18-20’ apart. Each time the jumps move further apart, the distance shortens for the dog and you. 3. Once the dog understands the jumps, then you can combine the go-out with the jumps.For many dogs, jumping is rewarding. As you train, alternate going to the dog to reward the go-out and having the dog jump as the reward. Also, if you are going to show in graduate open, make sure the dog is used to you going out and walking around the dog to heel position in the go-out location.As with all training, have fun! ABOUT THE AUTHOR I have been training and competing in obedience for approximately 30 years. My first obedience dog was Dachshund Trixie, who not clear the 8” jump without difficulty. She retired after earning her CD title. I then put a UDX on Sheltie Jamie, and an OTCH on Sheltie Liza. Dachshund Zelda was next, and she earned a CDX. Zelda was very sound sensitive, and many trainers told me she would never earn the open title. It’s the title I am proudest of. I am currently showing Sheltie Judy, who has her CDX and will make her utility debut in 2026. When I am not competing, I am a professor (sport management/sport psychology) at Eastern Michigan University. I also teach for our local dog club and am an AKC obedience judge. Lastly, I have experience in training and showing in rally and agility (and have tried barn hunt, tracking, and field).OBEDIENCEDACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 95
The Road To OTCHOf all the different events Coco and I competed in, all the titles we’ve sought, OTCH was easily the hardest one of all. When I look back over the 9 years, and think about how we got here, it’s really kind of a broken path. I had lots of goals, but getting OTCH was never one of them early on, and obedience was far from my main interest. It only got serious after so many others were accomplished, and even then, what I really wanted was a UDX because my goal then was to get something that, to my knowledge, no Dachshund has ever achieved, VCD4. I’m a fan of the VCD titles because a dog has to earn titles in several different events to get one, and then as they rise in each event, the VCD adds numbers, with VCD4 the highest, unless all the titles are championships. Coco is a tracking champion, but needed Master agility titles, and a UDX to get it. She finally got both Master agility titles, so we started working on the last part, UDX. It took some time to get CDX & then UD, and then a lot longer to finally get the 10 double Q's in Open B & Utility B for the UDX & VCD4! Of course, with all that trialing came OTCH points too, so the thought was creeping into my head that maybe….Then right before I finished that goal, I was in a Utility class full of really good dogs, I thought we did pretty well but was totally shocked when Coco won it! 20 points!! When my obedience trainer Julie Hill heard about it, she said 'Well, now you’ve got to go for OTCH”So, that was really the start of a long and curving road to now. Striving for OTCH was not just about qualifying, now we needed to win!Coco can be very good and make high scores, have weekends where she can do no wrong, get firsts, placements, even HIT's & HC's, but she can also get stressed and not do her best other times. She often would be so good for most of a class, but fail one thing, stress, distraction, who knows? She loves going to trials, loves doing exercises, but like so many dogs in obedience, her in ring performance is often not as good as in practice. She needs to feel comfortable in her surroundings and be happy in the ABS TC OTCH Hathor Farm's Lucknow My Chanel Mw VCD4 UDX3 OM5 VER RE TDU FDC NA NAJ NF JE DCAT SWA RATM CGC TKN by Stephany MonteleoneDACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 96
ring. It’s the little things though, not big ones that might bother other dogs. One time in a utility ring, I turned and sent her to a glove. As she ran toward it, a large dog came sailing over the ring gates straight for her. She saw it coming from behind us before I did, turned and headed straight for it! Gotta love Dachshunds! They’re not easily intimidated! Luckily, it was not an aggressive dog and was quickly controlled. The judge gave us a few minutes, then we went back to work and qualified. She was completely unfazed by it. So, slowly but surely we added points until finally getting that last wonderful one! Coco is the 8th OTCH, the 4th Quadruple Champion, and the only VCD4 Dachshund. She’s also the best partner I could ask for through it all. Many, many Thanks to her breeder, Dr. Jean Dieden, for sending Coco to me! And many Thanks to my wonderful trainer, Julie Hill who worked with us through our entire obedience career! She encouraged me to go for it and gave me confidence that it could be done. We are always looking for high-resolution candid photos to help build a photo library for the Newsletter.We welcome quality photos of your Dachshunds at play, at home, competing in events, dams and their puppies, and your special seniors, etc. (No win photos please.)Please send photos to [email protected]. If we can use your photo, you will be asked to sign a release for possible use in the Newsletter. DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 97
Setting goalsBy Anne RosenbergIt all starts with your first dog. It is a new chapter, new relationship and there is no owner’s manual to help us navigate the challenges we will encounter.Initially we are focused on house training…. Certainly, a challenge with many dachshunds! And then with crate training and feeding schedules. So how do we communicate with our new partner in crime? What do we want to teach them for daily living and better interactions? This question prompts us to set training goals.Initial training with a new dog should set the foundations for basic skills, socialization and develop drive and willingness to work and participate with you. Goals need to be realistic for both you and your dog and for the two of you as a team. If you are a new dog owner and if you are working on new skills, a mentor/trainer is important. The right mentor will help direct you, support and encourage you. They will help you determine what goals are reasonable for both you and your dog. Dr. Edwin Locke, a psychologist, developed a Goal Setting Theory, and published this in 1968. He collaborated with Dr. Gary Latham and in 1990 they published these principles in their book “A Theory of Goal Setting & Task Performance”. Goals have two characteristics: content, and intensity. Content refers to the chosen achievement. Intensity refers to the quantity of physical and mental resources needed to create or achieve the content.THE FIVE PRINCIPLES THEY PROPOSED ARE:CLARITY, CHALLENGE, COMMITMENT, FEEDBACK, AND TASK COMPLEXITY. 1. CLARITY - Goals must be clear and specific. 2. CHALLENGE - Goals should be difficult enough to be motivating without being unrealistic, so you stay engaged with the goal. 3. COMMITMENT -You must be committed to achieving the goal. This means understanding and supporting the goal from the beginning.4. FEEDBACK - Ongoing feedback is crucial to track their progress and make necessary adjustments to your plans. (a qualifying ribbon is NOT the only positive feedback!!!)5. TASK COMPLEXITY - Goals must be achievable and not overwhelming. When a goal is complex, it's helpful to break it down into smaller, more manageable components. You should have resources (like a trainer or mentor) to help attain goal and modify if you hit a block.An example of using these principles to set your goals might be as “simple” as teaching your dog to “heel”. The goal sounds CLEAR but consider, heeling for a walk in the park or an obedience class. Small defined goals are like steppingstones and add up to the desired result.Certainly, a walk along a hedgerow with your dachshund puppy would be a CHALLENGE so consider being more realistic and starting inside without distractions and working up to the outside scenario. Success with progressive challenges accumulates. Being realistic with what you and your dog can accomplish will minimize frustration and fuel the fire to beautiful heeling. DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 98
None of us have a good day everyday but we still get up and embrace each new day. Staying COMMITTEDto your goal is easier if you understand the goal, it is attainable and you are supported in the process – encourage your friends who are training!!!FEEDBACK comes from many sources. Keep a diary of your progress and celebrate your successes. When you can see the progress and new behaviors it is gratifying.So when you decide to teach your dog to heel, break it down. Teach the “heel” position, then one step then two and work up to going around the whole ring in heel position. Task COMPLEXITY should be manageable. Always remember to consider the genetics, age and conditioning of your dog (and yourself). So back to setting goals with our dogs. Awww…. Isn’t she so cute and cuddly and then she pees on the rug. Ugh!! Just like with anything else in life, it’s helpful to have defined goals to work toward. Goals help you measure progress, stay on track, and give you a sense of accomplishment as you meet them. Our relationships are give and take, good days and bad – remember to have fun and enjoy the process to build a better bond.Remember that not all dogs are the same – different breeds have different aptitudes, instincts, personality traits and physical and genetic limitations. Assess your dog and their breed as honestly and objectively as you can and be willing to accept that your dog/breed may not reach some goals, regardless of your commitment. Know that you and your dog have limitations. Set goals which are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely. Basic training should identify the things you want to do with your dog and then identify the necessary skills to do these activities. To hike with your dog, we need a dog who walks on leash and recalls if they are off leash. Even pets should be able to walk on leash, be handled and touched all over, come when called, not back or jump on guests and be able to go in a crate.Some of the goals we set initially are to correct problem behaviors. Don’t give up! Find a trainer who can help and consider going to class which will also help to socialize your dog to other dogs and other people. If you know what you DON’T what your dog to do, what WOULD you like them to do instead? Do you want them to learn “place” or “stay” or “calm”. Trainers are not just for dogs and owners that will compete, they are for teaching dogs and owners to communicate and work together. So, now our puppy understands some basic skills and behaviors, and we are doing well at home and out on our walks. We need to always consider the dog that we have, the time they need to learn and their needs during the training. They need time to learn not to sniff and stay focused on the task. With reactive dogs, we can set a goal to have them be comfortable in public settings, around other people or other dogs, but achieving this may not happen with all dogs. Some dogs are just not social. Remember to introduce your dog to new things and environments in a thoughtful and careful way. Support them and read their body language to know if they are comfortable or not in that situation. If your dog is not comfortable, consider leaving them at home in a safe place if you are going to places that will overwhelm your dog.It is important to give your puppy a foundation which you will build on – basic behaviors and skills. The 5 D’s, essential training tools (Distance, Duration, Distraction, Direction, Disappearing) all play a role in overall success in teaching new tasks. Shaping behaviors as a training tool means to break down the behavior into little steps that can be easily achieved and that cumulatively result in the desired behavior. Try to assure your DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 99
dog will be successful with each step and give them efficient ways to learn. Always celebrate each accomplishment, no matter how small it seems… party and jackpot! Goals need to be relevant to our lifestyle and that will keep us motivated to stay on task with achieving the goal. Be flexible when working toward a goal so you can modify the training if your dog indicates that the training is too stressful for them. If your dog does not respond to your training, stop, reassess and change direction or training method. Give your dog and yourself “grace” in setting these goals, in the training and with the timeline to achieve the goal. Training will be good some days and not so good other days – that is normal! Off days are normal for dogs and people – give each other a break.When we meet the needs of our dogs, they learn better, focus better and are happy to work with and for us. Enrichment and reward are important to training satisfaction and success.“Note to self: When things feel overwhelming, remember:One thought at a timeOne task at a timeOne day at a time”In summary, elements for setting appropriate goals in training include:Making the goals specific, not generic, so they can more easily be achieved. Look at the end goal or behavior desired and break it down into smaller steps. Goals need to be achievable, or we set ourselves up to feel like we failed. We are destined to feel frustration if we do not set a goal that is achievable.And always remember to have fun during the process. Dog training and goal setting should be about creating a better relationship with our dogs and being inspired for reaching these goals and sharing the experience. Learn to watch your dog learn and revel in seeing the light switch turn on. Keeping a journal of the goals, training, outcomes and lessons learned in invaluable.Focusing on the end goal can be discouraging if the goal is one that takes a lot of time and work to achieve. It can seem like being on a hamster wheel. It may seem that you barely make a dent toward getting there but if you break it down into smaller goals, it will boost your dogs and your confidence and allow for interval success along the journey. This keeps you motivated to reach for the stars of the “big” goal. Be proud of these accomplishments and develop the habit of continual training and learning. Reaching these goals is validating and will keep you in the game to work through those frustrating days and instead be gratified that your efforts are working.Don’t let people discourage you…. Just fluff out your tutu and dance away.Trainers have been an essential part of my training process. Finding the right trainer can be hard so talk to other enthusiasts and take some lessons and see if the trainer is a good fit for you and your dog. Trainers helped me make attainable goals and have helped me stay motivated and be a better partner for my dogs. My trainers have challenged us to work hard but always injected games in the process. Attaining goals requires persistence and patience, and hours of work with many ups and downs.Trainers often have a huge toolbox of training methods to help you work through roadblocks. They should encourage you and your dog and keep the motivation strong. Periodic re-assessments allow for understanding our progress and redefining our training process. The reward is not about the ribbons and titles but about the bond you make with your dog and the process of learning. The ribbons and titles are only an external reflection of your achievements. In dog sports, it feels like there is always pressure to level up, to title, to move up to the next class, to show more, maybe even to get a new sport or show prospect. Here’s a reminder to just be where you are and to enjoy it@doghandleressayEight years ago, when I got Seri (my rescue dachshund) I had no goals, but that changed once I joined a kennel club and I was exposed to so many dog sports. Our first uneducated venture into the beginner novice ring was met with the following conversation as we prepared for the sit for exam ….. Judge: Is that nail polish on your dog?Me: (enthusiastically) Yes! She is a therapy dog and the people love her nails.Judge: I am so sorry but I have to excuse you.Frustrated and confused, I left the ring and set out on my journey of goals for me and my dogs. The simple goals of heeling and sit-stay have escalated to training for utility with Sly, training for VST and working on agility double Q’s. These goals may be pipe dreams but with the support of my friends and trainers, I take small steps to reach them and am learning to stop and smell the roses.DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 100