Severnside Schutzhund Club Trial Report - 20 & 21st February 2010

It was overcast and beginning to rain when I arrived at the Severnside club, but my mood was lightened by the friendly warm welcome I received. After a quick drink and temperament test we headed off to the tracking grounds.

After several days of heavy rain the pasture fields although wet were much better than I had expected. I was also fortunate to have two experienced track layers in Gavin and Travis, many thanks.

PHASE A TRACKING

TD1.
First up was Dave Edmunds with his exuberant female German shepherd, For a moment I thought I was back training Police dogs as this dog went about the tracking in an extremely fast and determined manner. Although she got round without any major hiccups the speed lead to inaccuracy on the articles and corners,
Qualifying with: 78 points (B).

Sch 1.
The first of the Schutzhund teams was Barry Hutchison with his young GSD Lex. The dog tracked in a very calm concentrated manner on the first and second legs, the corners and first article were also without fault however halfway down the third leg the dog was distracted and lost concentration; he then required a command on the last article which took him out of the excellent. 94 points (SG).

Gary Khakian came next with his young G.S.D. Gizmo. The dog looked to be struggling on the first leg and needed a restart but with encouragement from his handler he completed the track recovering both articles. 80 points (G).

Vongraf Nabel handled by Nicholas Warman was next to take the field and from beginning to end he tracked in a calm focused manner he was accurate on the corners and articles. Finnishing with a very creditable. 96 points (V).

Sch 2.
The two Shutzhund 2 dogs had the worst of the flooded fields, first up was Karen Khakian with Bordermere coco channel. Only with gentle, careful handling, did Karen manage to complete the track. 70points.(B)

Andy Rowley with his young Rottweiler Bambel two to tango, came next after a shaky start where he struggled with the conditions, he recovered to complete the track. 70 points.(B)

TD 2.
Dave Edmunds ran his second dog Pepnick Hocus pocus in this Tracking only stake and this experienced dog displayed great attitude and concentration,More accuracy on the articles would have resulted in an excellent. 94 points (SG).

Sch 3.
Now to the top stake where even at a club trial the judge can give no assistance, first up was John Westwood with Nikonis Zandro after a shaky start this experienced dog went on to complete the track. 80 points (G).

Last but by no means least was Roger Leddra with Carlsbro Quinta and this dog really tracked well but inaccuracy on a corner and a missed article cost him dear. 80 points (G).

PHASE B OBEDIENCE.

Sch1
Overall a very mixed bag, with the conditions again playing a major role. I moved the start position further down the field and the club did a sterling job sanding the area around the jumps. Barry with Lex and Nick with Nabel comfortably hit the Good grade with 86 (G) & 84(G) points respectively. Gary with Gizzmo then put on a very accurate display, earning a high in trial 95(SG).

Sch 2
The two Schutzhund two`s seemed most effected by the sticky conditions Karen and Rodger both had to work hard to score 77(B) and 75(B) points respectively.

Sch 3
John Westwood & Nikonis Zandro came next and worked hard to gain 78points (B). By total contrast Roger & Quinta just missed out on the SG scoring a creditable 88(G) points.

PHASE C. PROTECTION

Before commenting on the Dog and handler teams I must mention the helper work. All dogs were worked by Brian Wincott, and in conditions that were difficult for man and dogs. The dogs were tested to a very high standard without fear or favour.

Sch1
Inexperience played its part with Barry and lex missing the first blind and a mix up on the long attack costing several points but the control and commitment to the bite earned the first team 84(G) points. Qualifying sch1 with 264(G).

Next up was Gary and Gizmo a very convincing round showing speed power and control earned an excellent 97(V) and a schutzhund 1 title with 272(SG) points.

Nick with Vongraf Nabel were next and once again we saw tremendous commitment to the bite with strong powerful grips, unfortunately lack of control and slow outs cost them a higher grade.88(G). Qualifying Sch1 with 268(G) points.

Sch 2. Karen and Coco Channel entered the field and both handler and dog worked in calm competent Manner. Finishing with 80(G) points & qualifying Sch 2 with 227(B) points.

Andy with his Young Rottweiler were next and the dog really came into his own in the protection spirit. Scoring 88(G) points. Qualifying Sch 2 with 233(B) points.

Sch 3.

John Westwood & Nikonis Zandro were the first of the Sch 3`s The round was competent and controlled but the dog lacked the real and speed and power needed for the higher grades, 76(B). Qualifying Sch 3 with 234(B) points.

Then came Roger and Quinta and it was a real treat for the many spectators that had gathered. Roger kept calm and controlled throughout the work. Quinta.showed total commitment to every bite The bites were full the grip very strong and the control absolute. I had no hesitation in awarding the 96(V) points. Giving the team a total qualification of 264 (G).

Finally a big thank you to Linda Gammon who prepared all the paper work in a correct and timely manner. This really makes my job so much easier and allows the trial presentation to take place soon after the last dog works. It was also nice to see such a large crowd at what was a "Club trial" I hope they enjoyed watching the dogs work as much as I enjoyed judging them.

Click here for scores.

By: Jim Jackson