TRIAL REPORT –SUNDAY DELIGHT

Twin County Schutzhund Club’s annual schutzhund trial on October 26, 2008 found a small group of participants and spectators enjoying shockingly good weather, a really good judge, quality helper work, and some real sportsmanship all around.  Our USA judge Glenn Stephenson kept us on track, educated and comforted throughout.  The entries included some long time competitors and brand new first-trial folks — a great combination and completing the whole picture of a successful trial.

Light came to a foggy morning and revealed a large field of hay grass.  Ah, tracking was about to begin. There was some wind but it didn’t deter the trackers as they worked the scrappy grass.  Three of the four dogs tracked their way to good scores and one had a great lesson in tracking — more work needed.  

From the countryside we stopped for breakfast (gotta feed the judge you know) and then back to the trial field to begin the obedience phase with the SchH 3 and SchH 2 dogs.  We saw good work to use as an example and other work to learn from.  The SchH 1 dogs came up for their time on the field.  Paired together was an experienced handler working with his young dog.  He was happy with a good routine.  And a new Sch 1 dog came up next.  The routine had some unexpected surprises and there were too many points left on the field to pass but there was great support from everybody and a good learning experience.  Thank you all!  Our B dogs come out to complete the day’s obedience work.  Even with some problems, two of the three made it through to the traffic phase and on from there to pass the B.  TCSC would like to thank two pulled entries for being there and staying throughout the trial to encourage all those remaining.  They are special sportsfriends and we want to thank them for their support.  

 

After a short lunch break, all came back to the field, got the chairs arranged and watched our guest helper dress for the part.  Ken Stupak from Colorado accepted our request to be the helper for this trial.  We met Ken at our recent Regional Helper Seminar where his skills as a regional level helper stood out through the weekend.  We want to thank Ken for extending his talent to our trial and giving our entries good, safe helper work.  Our SchH 3 came through and completed the third phase to pass with a good rating.  One SchH 1 completed the protection phase for a good overall rating and a new title.  Congratulations to all of our successful friends.  Twin County wishes to extend our sincere thanks to everybody who came to support us.  We have now moved away from that training field and are seeking a new training field but want you all to know you will always be welcome at our schutzhund home wherever it is.

USA PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION

AUGUST 16 & 17, 2008

TRIAL HELPER SEMINAR & CLASSIFICATION

with TRACY BETENBAUGH

Thank you, Tracy for sharing your expertise and sense of humor with the PNW Region’s helpers.  Friends of TCSC and the region brought dogs so the helpers would have good dogs to train on.  Hydration and cool wading pools became priority to keep dogs and helpers as cool as possible during one of the hottest weekends of the summer. 

The Region provided a no-cost experience for eight helpers who successfully completed training.  Our entries came from Eastern Washington, Central Oregon, and Colorado as well as Western Washington.  Four USA clubs were represented.  Two helpers passed the classification:  one achieved first time Basic category and the other re-certified for Regional level classification.  Congratulations, guys! 

We wish to thank Washington’s two USA judges who were present to enhance the training and discussion of trial rules and experiences.  This was a great addition to the Regional event and experience. 

As a close to the weekend, TCSC hosted the additional regional meeting.  There was a quorum and the meeting was successful in conducting the region’s business.  Thank you all for making a great finish to our weekend.