north shore Hews pETS Choosing a dog breed T am usually woken up by a thump on the head. The first thump startles me. But after the second 1 pull myself up on one elbow, and look at my attacker hovering over me, panting, tail wag- wing, head tilted sideways. This is Harley, one of my faichtul companions. I peer bhirnly at the clock, hoping it says something other than the usual... nope, it’s 3:30 a.m. On my pillow is today’s weapon of chaice — a tennis ball. Asa canine trainer and behaviour consultant, | under- stand Harley's relentlessly energetic behaviour, So does my partner, Wayne. After all, Harley is technically his dog, and he did his research betore he decided on a German shorthair pointer. Getting a dog is a big step, and the decision of what kind of breed to get is not one to be made lightly. When Wayne decided he wanted a dog, we sat down ~ and thought about his lifestyle. He wanted a dog he could CUSTOM SHEERS & DRAPERIES. Choose from a large selection of print, solid and sheer fabrics and save 30% off the regular fabric price. canine connection run, bike, swim and be a “guy” with. With Harley, he gor that... times 100! We chose a purebred dog, because we wanted him to have a pre- dictable personatity — he had to be compatible with aw dog Alex, a big, stubborn, red Doberman. Our research entailed look- ing through a dog encyelope- dia to narrow down Wayne's choices. We purchased a CD ROM, Madtamedia Dugs by Inroads Interactive, which gives an excellent overview of many breeds. Once we had a top tive list, we went to a dug show and viewed those breeds. The dogs’ handlers were happy to answer questions about per- sonality, exercise needs, tem- perament, compatibility with ON ALL ® Draperies ¢ Sheers © Valances *discount equivalent to the GST other dos and people, health issues and pedigree. Because of their strantina, we narrowed our choice further, to a sport ing/hunting breed. Most sporting breeds are sleck and fast with powerfti, chiseled muscles, (something Wayne thought suited him... ahen). Harley came trom a breed- er who breeds dogs to hunt. This is important — it nieans the dog will have an extremely high energy level. I don’ use the word hyper — ta me, it implies out of control, which stems trom a lack of training. German shorthair pointers are used for scenting, pointing and flushing birds out of their fair, then retrieving them once they are felled. In other words, Harley has a high need for physical activiey, and mental stimulation and E worked with Wayne to develop a training program that was both physi- cally and mentally challenging for him. T think he would probably have driven any other owner berserk. — Joun Kiucha isa co-owner and trainer with Sterra PACK Leaders KY Training. Sunday. November 1, 1998 - Nortn Shore News - 25 Put your Toyota on a fitness program. Keep your Toyota fit with a regular maintenance program. Genuine Toyota Muffler + Designed & engineered for your Toyota * Warranted for as long as you own your Toyota ¢ Unlike others, our installed price includes all the bolts & gaskets required to install the muffler Everyday Value | 5Q° installed Tercel/Corolla Model years 1980 to 1996 only, Get Ready For Winter Special * Oil, lube and filter « Brake, power steering & washer fluids check « Rotate tires, check & adjust pressure * Anti-freeze check » Free new Toyota Touch premium windshield washer fluid plus a deluxe foam gripped snow brush an $11.98 value Everyday Value 549% all Toyota Models Genuine Toyota Lube, Oi] and Filter Front Brake Replacement * Complete oil change * 11 paint inspection * Install Genuine Toyota disc pads + Inspect calipers» Anti-freeze check « Brake, power steering & washer * Inspect brake lines and hoses * Road test fluids check * Lubricate locks, latches & hinges Everyday Value Everyday Value s99% 594° Tercel/Corolia all Toyota Models SYOTA BONUS COUPON Pog? yh Offer valad at participating dealers until December 31, 1998. 1BoouresO Ocenrs Dollar: 1a.coa ~ 50% Off CELLULAR SHADES Choose from our entire sclection of the Marquis collection and save 50% off the regular price. 50% Off VENETIAN & VERTICAL BLINDS Choose from a selection of venetian and vertical blinds and save 50% off the regular price. Pay up to: Us this coupons towards any Toyots Service or repair. Work Onder #: Name: Present this coupon within 90 days of receipe and SAVE up ta $40.00 on a minimum purchase of $100.00. Limit one coupon per service visit. Coupon applicable towards any future Toyota service excluding vil change. Parts counter purchiees excluded. Not redeemable for cash. No fiesimilies will he accepted. Coupon includes GST. CALL TODAY FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY IN-HOME CONSULTATION Sale Ends November 28, 1998 257-0100 ADA’S STORE CANARAS STORE SINCE 1670——— Leo Knight: every Wednesday on page seven in your North Shove News.