Here is where my spare time (and money!) go:
Sadie, TDX, CGC (Photo by Shadows Studio) |
 Sadie starting on a track |
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April 2, 2000 Our first attempt at the TDX title, and we PASSED! We drew track no. 5 (of 6) and Sadie did an outstanding job. Note the medal around her neck - her award for her fine job. |
Sadie was adopted from the Dane County Humane Society in May, 1992. She earned her Tracking Dog (TD) title from AKC in 1995. I added Agility to her activities briefly, but returned to tracking in 1998. We tried entering 4 TDX trials before finally being drawn for Pecatonica's trial Apr. 2. I'd been told that it takes an average of 3 tries at this level before passing. She had a strong start. After following the first leg for a bit her head whipped around as though a giant hand grabbed her nose and it was obvious she had made the first corner. She wandered a bit going through the first obstacle which was heavy dense brush, but found her way out. Finding the two articles, a slipper and a sock posed no problem. Towards the end we encountered the second obstacle, a two lane road with a grass median strip, at the entrance to the park. She only slowed because I asked her to, in order check for traffic. The biggest problem was the last corner, where she had to search to find the final leg. Find it she did though, and 100 yds away was the final article. For the most part she followed the track as though it were painted in a bright, neon color. It was a joy to follow her.
She has been described as an "awesome" tracking dog and we have begun training for the VST. She made her first training tracks, transition tracks with elements of TDX and VST, look easy. The Tracking Page is an excellent resource for those who wish to learn more about the sport.
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Blackacre Boysenberry, WDX, JH, "Brendan", obtained from Mary Lou Savage, Blackacre, at the age of one and half years, is my "field" dog. Not competitive field trials but non-competitive hunt tests, work which he adores. We started with Karen Bazilewich, who started G.L.A.C.S.H.E. and has been instrumental in promoting the return of the Cocker Spaniel as a hunting companion, it's original purpose. In 1998 we also started taking lessons with Jason Givens of Lighthouse Kennels.
Jason's area is field trials and English Springer Spaniels but his knowledge of Cockers and the best way to bring out their talents has proven invaluable. We have made remarkable progress since Jason started working with us, earning the 4 legs for the Junior Hunter title in 5 tries. The final leg was earned at the American Spaniel Club's national specialty in July, 1999. The hunt test was at Quail Ridge Sportsmen's Club in Sunman, IN. The grounds were superb and the staff at Quail Ridge provided everything we needed, from dunk tanks for our dogs in the hot weather, to coffee and donuts, to lunch.
On Sept. 27, 1998, he also earned his WDX (Working Dog Excellent)
at the GLACSHE Working Certificate test held at the Bong Recreation Area near
Kenosha, Wisconsin.
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 Victor at one of his first tracking sessions |
And finally, Kindred Rebel's Battle Hymn, "Victor". He is by Ch. Quasar's Rebel Rouser x Duet Diamond Double and was whelped in Feb. 1997. Bred by Jolene O'Brion, Duet, and Bobbie Kolehouse, Kindred Cockers, Victor came to me in August, 1999 for performance work. He has shown a love and talent for tracking, putting his "game face" on and standing like a statue to have his tracking harness put on. He earned his TD at the June, 2001 test put on by the Moraine Tracking Club here in Wisconsin. We have started training for the TDX.
In the fall of 2001 we began flyball lessons at Mad City Dog Training. He progressed quickly from Beginning to Intermediate and is now on the Ulti-Mutt's flyball team sponsored by Mad City. In April of 2002 we attended a flyball match in SW Wisconsin which was a very good experience for both of us. Our first NAFA sanctioned tournement is on the weekend of July 19, 20, 21 at the Dane County Fair.
He also loves agility and showed great eagerness and enthusiasm in his lessons. We are concentrating on tracking & flyball however, so it may be awhile before we get back to the agility ring.
 January, 2000 Alex at his new barn |
Pocos Two Eyes, aka "Alex", is my 19 year old Quarter Horse. Used mostly for trails, he still likes the dressage training I started doing with him when I got him in 1991. He is very smart and enjoys the mental stimulation of such work. He has the excellent work ethic typical of Two Eyed Jack horses. Yet he is calm and sensible on the trails, making him an ideal trail horse. |
MORE DOG LINKS:
The Spanie-L List Home Page For Spaniel enthusiasts
Karen Pryor's Don't Shoot the Dog! Home
Page
Karen
Fremuth's Home Page Karen's
breed is the English Cocker rather than the American but she is dedicated
to the dual purpose dog.
The Cocker Spaniel
Adoption Center A wonderful rescue group based in Maryland, but will
try and find homes for Cockers wherever they need them.
The Pudg'gee Ann
page Field-bred American Cockers - doing the job that Cockers were originally
bred for.
Versatility in Poodles, Inc. Yeah,
I know, they're not Cockers, but this is an informative site for a breed
which just recently was allowed by the AKC to earn Retriever Hunt Test titles.
They were originally developed to be hunting dogs and much credit goes to
those Standard Poodle fanciers who worked so hard for this.
