Firsts

Competing for his first time ever in a National event, Ron trialed his young Malinios, Nero, at the AWDF Nationals this weekend in Pennsylvania; earning a super score of 267 points; 90 tracking, 90 obedience, and 87 in protection. They competed at the IPO 3 level the most difficult level and the one with the largest number of competitors. Overall Ron and Nero placed 23rd and 17th out of the H.O.T. dogs. H.O.T. = Handler, Owner, Trainer. Fantastic Ron! We are very proud of you!!!

A few States West, Rebecca Perry takes the plunge into the German show ring handling Cadence, Caisson, and Nikon. This was Becky’s first time handling “for real” and at a show against many very seasoned handlers and professional handlers. Becky was first up with Cadence in the 3 – 6 month puppy class, she was concentrating so hard on what to do that it appeared to me she was forgetting to breath. In the individual exam Becky stacked Cadence perfectly (Jeff you would have been proud). Becky knew she did good and you could see her begin to relax after that. Cadence placed 5th with 4 puppies placing in front of her and 4 puppies placing behind her. Next class was Caisson, you could tell the judge liked him and the judge had him leading the class the entire time. The last lap he moved the 2nd place dog up front and called the class. Next was Nikon. He walked in the ring and, wow, he looked super! The judge Rudiger Mai liked him and had him leading the class the entire time. It was the same as Caisson’s class, the last lap moving the dog behind him to first place and calling it. Herr Mai said only good things in his critique about all three dogs, his criticism was directed at the training and the double handlers which was the cause of the dogs losing placements. He talked to me again after the judging and told me he really liked the anatomy on the dogs and wanted to know their breeding.

Becky you were fantastic!