Club Report Fall 2003
S
ome of us have been very busy. We had a trial on May 31st and all four participants were successful. Bob McGonigal and Corrie, Ken Kirkby and Erika and Bob Smith with Chico all achieved their BH’s. I logged yet another SchH 3 on the books making that a total of, let’s see…….. Two!
Lance Collins was our presiding judge and after the trial we had plenty of time to work on our problems. Thanks Lance for once again sharing your vast experience with us.
Now back to the two Bobs. Bob McGonigal may have finally met his match in Bob Smith when it comes to talking. As the weekend went on however, the more info Bob Smith took in the less he had to say. It was great to have you Smitty and thanks for the pictures.
Next, me, Bob, Lol and Claire traveled to Winnipeg where I was entered in the Prairie Regionals. Ah Schutzhund, such an uncomplicated and relaxing sport. HA!
The weather for the weekend was highlighted by 70 kilometer per hour winds. It was decided to track early in hopes of lighter winds but a 4:30 wakeup call to get to the club for 5:30 was to no avail. The wind blew like stink anyway. Hey, on the brighter side, no mosquitoes!
On the obedience field many feared that their dogs wouldn’t be able to hear their commands form a distance and the wind even blew some of our dumbbell tosses off course(ha ha).
It was a great trial and Winnipeg Working Dog Club and Schutzhund Manitoba did an excellent job of co-hosting the Prairie Regionals. The food was great and we even had fireworks in the rain Saturday night.
All participants were recognized prior to the trophy presentations. Everyone was presented with a bottle of wine etched with the Prairie Regional Logo and given a pouch of biscuits for the dogs.
Congratulations to Jim Chrisp for High in Trial and to Wayne Carnegie and Eric Luke for 2nd and 3rd placings.
We had a great time and got to see old friends and meet new people. One of our new acquaintances, Glen Koenen had some kind of mishap and ended up with a bloody nose which he packed with Kleenex or something. Ask Glen what his new nickname is.
Back home we actually broke off training early on July 26th to attend John Carvalho’s wedding. Congratulations John and Barb. The wedding was great and we must thank all the Portuguese cooks for a wonderful meal.
Back to Winnipeg August long weekend to take in the Horste Knocke seminar put on by WWDC. The seminar was fantastic. Thanks to all the people in the Prairies and beyond who opted out, affording us tons of time with Horste and Michaela, whose feel and timing for dogs is phenomenal. We came away with new found enthusiasm for the work and specific things to work on for our individual dogs. Turns out Claire didn’t need that goalie equipment after all. The Big Galoot as I affectionately call Cabre, decided not to bowl her over on the recall. Such a sweet “puppy”! So the “vest”, supplied by thoughtful police officer/breeder Eric Luke was just a precaution. (See picture of Claire in her new training attire. All that’s missing is the knee pads). You have to be adaptable in this sport.
Sunday evening we took a break from dog training and went on a very enjoyable paddle-boat ride which ended way too soon. To add to our cultural experiences, we ended off the evening at a German Beer Garden where we hoisted a few in honor of Horste’s birthday. So much beer, so little time.
Next it’s off to the Nationals to cheer on our Schutzhund friends. Good luck to all participant and remember, the winds couldn’t possibly be as heavy as they were in Winnipeg could they?
Jacki Barnes