Seminars and Activities

AKC Breed Preservation Bank Committee

SCOA, AKC Purebred Preservation Bank: How can you help preserve the health and character of Spinone into an unknowable future?

We have formed a new committee called the Purebred Preservation Bank!  Come and learn what we are all about and how YOU can help preserve our beautiful breed, the Spinone Italiano. The AKC has started a Purebred Preservation Bank, and it is an exciting partnership for SCOA. We can help to preserve our breed during any unforeseen catastrophic events, and since we are a low entry breed this effort can also help with any genetic bottlenecks and contribute to research. This bank will not just be for top titled dogs -- we feel it is important to collect samples from as many dogs as possible now to help secure as much genetic diversity as possible for the future. There is no cost to donors or to SCOA.

"Finding Your Balance": Breeders Education
SCOA Breeder Education Committee is offering an opportunity to learn more about the Spinone structure
and how to correctly measure your Spinone. This event will focus on size, proportion, and proper measuring techniques that breeders can use to evaluate their dogs. A short presentation
will be followed by hands-on practice session on your measuring skills. Bring your dog.

Angela Ardolino Seminar. Cutting-edge science with centuries of traditional wisdom to teach others how to support the endocannabinoid system, balance the body, and unlock true vitality for pets.

Angela Ardolino is a holistic pet health advocate and formulator who has used natural, plant-based therapies to manage cancer in her own dog, Nina, a Doberman diagnosed with osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer).  Rather than opting for conventional treatments like amputation or chemotherapy, Ardolino implemented a holistic protocol centered on full-spectrum CBD oil, medicinal mushrooms (especially Turkey Tail), a raw/fresh biologically appropriate diet, and adaptogenic herbs.  Her approach focuses on pain management, reducing inflammation, supporting immune function, and preventing metastasis.  In multiple updates, she documented that Nina showed no signs of cancer spread (metastasis) despite a poor prognosis, with her veterinarian expressing amazement at the results.  Ardolino also advocates for integrative veterinary care, promoting collaboration between holistic and conventional practitioners to improve pet outcomes.  Her mission is to empower pet parents to become their animals’ strongest advocates through safe, natural, and evidence-informed healing methods.  Angela Ardolino is a fearless advocate for animals and a trailblazer in holistic pet wellness. With over 25 years of experience caring for animals, she’s made it her life’s mission to empower pet parents with the education and tools they need to support their pets naturally

SCOA Business Meeting

SCOA's Bylaws require an annual business meeting in conjunction with the National and Parent Specialty Shows and other events, seminars, and hunt tests. The primary purpose is to review the past year's activities, assess progress towards the organization's mission, and plan for the future. If there is a quorum present (10% of the membership), motions can be brought to the floor for discussion and voting. When there is no quorum, it is still a chance for open discussion among members and the Board. Because our members are dispersed over the entire country, the meeting -- along with other events at the National -- is always an opportunity to have your voice heard and to hear from other members. The Board takes any input seriously and will work to incorporate what is learned at the meeting into the Club's operations.

• Conformation- Showcasing Your Spinone in the Show Ring.In this workshop we will cover a range of skills :
  • basic ring skills such as set up and moving your dog properly for each individual
  • breed specific presentation
  • highlighting strengths and hiding weaknesses
  • teaching focus & reset skills
  •problem solving specific issues if time allows

• Canine Massage

  Join Heather Jenner to learn about basic canine massage techniques. Help your dog relax, recover after exercise, and reduce stress. Bring a bed or mat for your dog and possibly a chair for yourself- but you’re welcome to be down on the ground with your dog is you’re able.  Heather Jenner, RVT and Canine Massage Provider

• How To Dremmel & Trim Nails.

  My name is Karolyn, and for some crazy reason I love doing dog nail trims.  In my clinic I will have hands-on demonstrations of techniques and strategies for all dog temperaments when it comes to nail trimming. So, bring your tools (nail clippers, Dremel’s) that you use and your pup’s consoler.  Sometimes it takes a team to make a successful trim. If you have an extra table that would be helpful.  All nail trims will be done on a table.  Looking forward to meeting everyone.

• Clicked Retrieve Begins with Hold & Carry

  Our dogs learn to repeat the behaviors that earn them what they want, and positive reinforcement training is based on rewarding dogs for the behavior we are trying to shape. A clicker is a simple dog training tool that can be used with puppies to reward eye contact, recall, and sitting, and these steps are the basis of the trained retrieve. As the puppy matures, we add distance, distraction, and duration to these behaviors, along with fun retrieving games. This method helps the dog know precisely when they have done the right thing, as we break complex skills into small, rewarding steps. Bring your puppies, bring your adolescents, bring your older dogs and see how quickly they respond to this approach! This will be a hands-on session, and we'll provide clickers and tiny treats. You'll learn how to instill the basics in puppies and young dogs that build the lovely delivery in a finished gundog or obedience dog

Health Clinics 1:00-4:00pm. Day Of/Walk Ins Welcome on all Clinics.

OFA Cardiology Exam $30 + OFA $15 Fee

OFA Dentition (Visual Exam) $30 + $15 Fee

OFA DNA Bank- NO CHARGE

OFA Patellas- $30 + $15 OFA Fee

OFA Thyroid- $150 + $15 OFA Fee

CAER Eye Exam- $30 + $15 OFA Fee

CAER Eye Clinic

Pre-Registration Instructions: How to Pre-Register Online

To participate in the CAER Eye Clinic, you must pre-register online. Begin by visiting the registration page at https://ofa.org/. Once there, select the “Log in to OFA Online” tab toaccess and complete your registration form.

Clinic Discount Information: After registering online, you will receive an OFA Submission handout that includes a special clinic discount code. This code can be used to receive a discount on your submission at the clinic.

Day Of/Walk Ins Welcome.

Heartworm Test- $45

Microchip- $40 + lifetime registration

Vaccine Titers- $100 + Shipping

• Stampede Agility

  Red Neck agility at the 2025 National was a huge hit… well it’s back by popular demand but with a Colorado twist, bring your Spinone for a fun time!  It’s a stampede you won’t want to miss!

• Bird Wing Frenzy Scavenger Hunt

  Turn those Spinone noses on!!! Throughout the event venue, indoors and outdoors your Spinone can find pheasant, quail and chucker wings.  Bring your Spinone with the found wing to Chuck Forry and choose a brown bag Prize.  Many opportunities to find more than just one wing!

• Awards Presentation & Auction

  Wrap up your last night of National Specialty week celebrating the recipients of the SCOA Awards!  Raise those paddles, win the bid on some cool Spinone items!  Support SCOA and Spinone Rescue!  Enjoy a good meal and cash bar! 

• “In The Hunt For Black & Brown Balls”

  During National Week, you and your Spinone can join the fun! If you find a black or brown tennis ball, bring it to dinner that night and give it to Karolyn McAfee for a chance to win. There are 20 camouflage balls hidden around the Specialty venue—see if you can spot one!

• PeeWee Attraction

  While children younger than five cannot participate in the Pee Wee Class Special Attraction, a club may want to offer other Special Attractions to engage children. Some clubs offer a special attraction which allows children (including those younger than five) to “show” their stuffed/toy dogs ‍

• Costume Contest

  ‍BRING YOUR CREATIVE JUICES TO COLORADO FOR THE COSTUME CONTEST.

  Use your imagination, dress your Spinone or a pack of Spinoni in their finest attire including handlers. There will be two winners. The judges will for BEST COSTUME, and the audience will vote for peoples choice Prizes will be awarded. Contact: Susie Pool pool.susie@gmail.com

• Chuck A Duck

  Buy your ducks, toss your ducks, hope to win with your ducks! The duck closest to the bullseye wins. Five prebagged 6 for $20 bags will have one free throw duck giving one once more toss to land your duck closest to the bullseye. $5 each or 6 for $20

• Veterans Parade Celebrating Our Beloved Spinone

  The Veterans Parade honors the esteemed veteran Spinone. If you have a Spinone that is 7 years old or older (as of April 2026) and would like to recognize them in this cherished tradition, please send your information to Becky Tevis .

   Contact:

  Becky Tevis ratevis@yahoo.com

Welcome Reception/Pizza Social Dinner, Monday

Following Rally & Obedience, the National committee welcomes you all to pizza & salad! Cash bar on site.

Barking Social, Tuesday Dinner

Enjoy relaxing after a busy day of showing with a Barking Social, visit with friends you only see once a year, visit with the foreign judge(s) and Spinone enthusiasts.  You may want to celebrate the days successes! Cash bar on site.

Salute to the Spinone & Wednesday Dinner

It is a special attraction celebrating the success of the Spinone as it relates to the form and function of the breed. This event brings our community of Spinone enthusiasts together to once a year to support each other through our Spinoni’s accomplishments.  This event will be judged by three judges. All dogs will be scored, the dog with the highest accumulation will be the winner, there will also be a “Peoples” choice winner by popular vote. Enjoy watching this Salute to the Spinone at your dining table that will be setup around the ring for all to view…. Cash bar on site.

Awards Presentation & Auction, Thursday Dinner

Wrap up your last night of National Specialty week celebrating the recipients of the SCOA Awards!  Raise those paddles, win the bid on some cool Spinone items!  Support SCOA and Spinone Rescue!  Enjoy a good meal and cash bar! 

Dr. Cawley is a canine oncologist-researcher studying comparative medicine and the impacts of epigentic regulation on cancer-specific patterns of metastasis, specifically super enhancer biology and epigenetic regulation of hemangiosarcoma. He earned his DVM from the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, completed his rotating surgical and medical internship at Cornell University, and subsequently completed his medical oncology residency training at Colorado State University. Dr. Cawley joined the Ethos Discovery team in 2019 as a Science Fellow and is helping design and implement oncology-focused clinical trials. He aided in the design of Ethos-PUSH. and is also completing a postdoctoral fellowship in Peter Scacheri’s lab at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Cawley is also interested in seeing more veterinarians participate in scientific research, believing that the comparative training of a veterinary degree provides a unique perspective that can contribute greatly to the advancement of medicine.

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1. Beginning Bird Awareness with a Flirt Pole

2. Transition to a bird and/or duck

3. Introduction to shot

4. Shaping FETCH

5. Shaping HOLD

6. Use of Training Tools and Overlay of commands

( Voice, Touch, Clicker, E-Collar, Hand, Treat & Train )

7. Timing of Marker and Reward

8. Tips from Jennifer Barkey, Ted Wentink, Leanne Mallini, others ….

9. The Live Bird Sessions ( includes individual instruction at any level )

This is a wonderful opportunity to join fellow qualifiers in celebrating Form, Function & Excellence and honor the achievements of our beloved Spinoni.

 Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Location: Island Grove Regional Park , Greeley Colorado

Entry Fee $75, Deadline March 13, 2026, Entry taken via SCOA Website

 Judging- Wednesday Morning

Evening Presentation & Celebration

 Pre‑judging: Wednesday, May 13th. in the morning, time TBA

There’s no need to dress formally, casual attire is appropriate.

 A distinguished panel of three judges,

AKC Breeder Judge

Breeder Judge

Owner Handler Hunt Judge w/top honors in AKC/NAVHDA will evaluate all entries.

Enjoy a ringside dinner, the Presentation & Celebration will begin during the dessert service.

Make the event even more memorable, reserve a ringside table! When you reserve a table, you’ll get the chance to decorate it with a theme of your choice, showcasing your creativity honoring your Spinone, the breed or a fun theme! You’ll also supply the table favors for your table.

Each table seats 8 people, and any empty seats will be open to others.

It’s a fun, creative way to celebrate!