WHAT HAPPENS..... | Activity Dogs

11th December, 2013

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN 80 DOG ENTHUSIASTS HIT THE WAVES?

The 1st December, 2013 saw 80 dog lovers from many disciplines of our wonderful Canine sport hit the waves and cruise off to The South Pacific. Noumea, Villa, Isle of pines were very popular stops for all of us. All who went ashore certainly enjoyed the tours they did and the goods they bought from the locals.

Dog enthusiasts came from CANADA, NORTHERN IRELAND N.S.W. QLD. VICTORIA. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. NORTHERN TERRITORY, A.C.T. & WEST AUSTRALIA. They came from the Conformation Discipline, Breeders, Obedience enthusiasts, Agility Competitors Fly ball lovers, Dog Trainers and many who just love dogs. Who said we cant’ get together in peace, harmony and joy.

Was this just a holiday? No it was not. We were fortunate that in the organising of this wonderful time, 5 (five) presenters were asked to give Seminars on 4 (four) of the days we were afloat. These presenters were the best at what they do and what they spoke about.

We had Steve Austin (Trainer. Sydney) Ian Rasmussan (Conformation Judge) Brisbane, Robert Humphreys (Animal Chiropractor/Manipulator) Brisbane, Vicki Austin (Trainer.) Sydney, and Kaye McGhie (Nutrician & D.N.A The new Frontier) Brisbane. There were a total of 30 different lectures given, and most were of around 2 hours each in duration. Many videos were shown, and all varied. Even saw one on Training a Gorilla. How different is that, but how interesting.

With over 2300 passengers and 900 staff on board, these 80 Dog Activity Lovers did a wonderful job of spreading the word of what it means to own, love and work with a dog. Because we met so many different people when we were sharing tables at meal time, sneaking a cigarette on the allotted decks, and generally speaking to so many different people, every one of these 80 people have done more in the 10 day time slot we were on this cruise to spread the Canine love we all have, than any other way I can think of. I would say without a doubt that each person in this Dog Activity Group made every effort to speak with as many people as they could.

We were easily recognisable by the pouch we wore around our necks. It gave our names, the type of dogs we each had, a place to put passports, money and of course our cabin cards which allowed us to get in and out of our rooms. By wearing these pouches which were supplied to us at the very start, others naturally asked what we were doing, and as you can imagine, we were very happy to tell them. The conversations around and about were great. Many laughs were heard, and many stories told about different experiences people had been through with their pets or working dogs.

TRACKING, SEARCH AND RESCUE, POLICE WORK, SCENTING, DRUG DETECTION, ERADICATION OF PESTS, THE JOYS AND PITFALLS OF SHOWING, THE COMPETING IN OBEDIENCE, THE DIFFICULTIES OFTEN FACED BY BREEDERS, BUT ALSO THE JOY THEY HAVE WHEN THEIR PUPPIES GO TO GREAT HOMES. TRAINING OF THE AVERAGE PET OWNER TO HAVE A GREAT COMPANION. These were subjects covered, and they were just the tip of the iceberg.

All of this was organised by one lady Valerie Bulte . She organised the whole thing from start to finish, and did an incredible job, even to having a Cocktail party on the last afternoon up on the 13th deck. She managed to have the area closed off to the general public.

She was ably assisted on the ship by Angie Burke (Dances with Dog enthusiast.) They oversaw all the lectures, and made sure that all 80 people had everything they required.

Of course it wasn’t all work. The ship the “Radiance of the Sea “ is a great ship. All 13 decks of her.

Entertainment every day and evening on almost every deck. We even had one of our members compete in the Karaoke and make the finals. What a great voice he had.

I could go on and on here, but the reason I am writing this is because of the success of the initiative of this one lady.

I believe that all in the DOG WORLD need to look at ways to spread and keep spreading our wonderful world not only between those who are already enthusiasts, but those outside the realm of our reality.

There are millions of dogs in our country, over 22 million in Japan and only the Lord knows how many World Wide. Why can’t we always share the joy and regard we had for each other on this trip. and spread our arms to all who own dogs.

I will finish this article by saying CONGRATULATIONS to all who played a part in organising this great trip. PRESENTERS and their partners, the two girls who worked so hard on board to see that everything ran smoothly ,to Valerie Bulte who had the foresight to plan it all, and to each and every person who attended. For their companionship, their laughter, and their outgoing friendly attitude to all they came in contact with.

WELL DONE TO ALL. HOPE YOU ALL GOT HOME SAFELY.

Regards,

Val Bonney (Canine Behaviourist/International Trainer and fellow Cruiser.)

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Seminars at Sea for Dog Lovers

December 1st 2013 saw the inaugural Dog Lovers cruise hosted by Valerie Bulte and Activity Dogs set sail from Sydney harbour aboard the 5-star cruise liner, Royal Caribbean – Radiance of the Seas. Sailing for 8 days and 9 nights enjoying wonderful seminars, sightseeing and fun times.
Whist the ship cruised away from Sydney harbour towards the Pacific Islands, the first two days saw the Dog Lovers attend seminars conducted by some of Australia’s most respected people in their fields. Steve Austin (International Trainer.)Sydney, Vicki Austin (Canine Behavioural Trainer)Sydney, Robert Humphreys (Animal Chiropractor) Brisbane Kaye McGhie (Nutritionist & D.N.A The new Frontier) Brisbane, and Ian Rasmussen (Conformation Judge) Brisbane., These presenters offered informative and interactive seminars to delight the attendees covering interesting subjects from Motivating miracles with your dogs, Chiropractic care for your elite athlete, nice solutions for problem behaviour, Nutrition for your performance dog and increasing your chances to win, just to mention a few. With over 30 different seminars to choose from there was something for everyone, even how to train a Gorilla, just for something different and encourage us to think outside the box.
Steve Austin said he had travelled the world attending and presenting at many different beautiful locations, but this was by far the best venue he had presented at and would be back to present again.
The 80 attendees came from Conformation Discipline, Breeders, Obedience enthusiasts, Agility Competitors, Fly ball lovers, Dog Trainers and many who just love dogs, not only attending these seminars together, but wine and dine, danced, laughed and karaoke the nights away. New friendships were made; old friendships were rekindled, some of these Dog Lovers had travelled from not only around Australia, but as far as Canada and Northern Ireland to be part of this new and exciting venture.
With over 2300 passengers and 900 staff on board, these 80 Dog Activity Lovers did a wonderful job of spreading the word of what it means to own, love and work with a dog throughout the other passengers. We met so many different people when we were sharing tables at meal time, sneaking a cigarette on the allotted decks, and generally speaking to everyone. These 80 people had done more in the 8 days spreading the Canine love we all have, than any other form of advertising. We were easily recognisable by the pouch we wore around our necks. It gave our names, the type of dogs we each owned, a place to put passports, money and of course our cabin cards which allowed us to get in and out of our rooms. By wearing these pouches which were supplied to us at the very start, others naturally asked what we were doing, and as you can imagine, we were very happy to tell them. The conversations around and about were great. Many laughs were heard, and many stories told about different experiences people had been through with their pets or working dogs. Tracking, search and rescue, Police work, scenting, drug, eradication of pests, the joys and pitfalls of showing, competing in obedience, the difficulties often faced by breeders, but also the joy they have when their puppies go to great home. Training of the average pet owner to a great companion. These were subjects covered, and they were just the tip of the iceberg.
After four days of visiting different Islands it was all aboard for another two days of seminars, while we cruised the beautiful blue oceans back to Sydney.
Of course, it wasn’t all work. The ship the “Radiance of the Seas” is a beautiful ship, all 13 decks of her.
Entertainment every day and evening on almost every deck, we even had one of our members compete in the Karaoke and make the finals. What a great voice Jim had.
On the final evening we all attended a private cocktail party, presenters and their partners, and all the Dog Lovers attendees, to say thank you to each and everyone for their companionship, their laughter, and their outgoing friendly attitude to all they came in contact with.
I believe that all in the DOG WORLD need to look at ways to spread and keep spreading our wonderful world not only between those who are already enthusiasts, but those outside the realm of our reality.

Arrangements are currently underway for the next exciting cruise December 2024; why not join us by contacting Valerie via email activitydogs@gmail.com , ph: 0407128232

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Activity Dogs – Dog Lover’s Cruise 2013 - Chris & Michelle Coulson

Chris and I decided that we would join the inaugural Activity Dogs –Dog Lover’s Cruise that sailed December 1st 2013 organised by Valerie Bulte and we are very glad we did.

The cruise was with the Royal Caribbean – Radiance of the Seas. It was 9 nights stopping at Noumea New Caledonia, Lifou (Loyalty Islands), Vila Vanuatu and Isle of Pines New Caledonia.

The days that we were sailing (4 days) there were organised dog seminars by well known presenters Steve Austin, Vicki Austin, Ian Rasmussen, Kaye McGhie and Robert Humphreys. It was great to be with like minded people 78 in total in our group.

The seminars were 1.5 to 2 hours in length and covered topics in the presenter’s field of expertise for example Training Techniques, Canine behaviour, Conformation, Nutrition and Chiropractic care. You could choose which seminars you wanted to attend.

We were able to talk to like-minded people over dinner and learn from the seminars.

It was a unique experience and everyone had a great time.

The organiser’s Valerie Bulte (Activity Dogs) and her assistant Angie Burke did a fabulous job with a small gift bag to each person in the group at the meet and greet when we first arrived on the ship and a Cocktail Party on the last evening. Not to mention all the organising that would have gone on behind the scenes.

We were kept busy with the ship’s activities and also the seminars so not a dull moment.

The Radiance of the Seas the ship chosen for the inaugural Dog Lover’s Cruise was amazing and the crew thought of every little detail to make our cruise a memorable one.

The highlight for Chris and I was the Isle of Pines. We had not been on a cruise before and thoroughly enjoyed it. We met many lovely people and all thanks to our beautiful boy Cooper as we would not have done this otherwise.

We strongly recommend that people consider going when the next one is available. As this cruise was such a great success I understand there is one being planned for 2015 already.

Chris and Michelle Coulson