THREE SHIRES FIRST SCHUTZHUND TRIAL

Dedicated to the memory of Tony Hornsby (Lakatamia GSD and East Anglia Schutzhund Club)

The Trial was held on 2nd November 2008 at K9Ulfs Training Ground in Bedfordshire. Judge was Gavin Smith and Helper/Tracklayer was Ian James, both well respected and experienced Schutzhund men. The atmosphere was very friendly and it was nice to see supporters from several other clubs offering their encouragement, some having travelled long distances. Refreshments and entertainment was more than adequately provided by the regular “Kitchen Ladies” Jan and her sidekick Lyn, keeping everyone’s strength and spirits up and making a somewhat party atmosphere in the Clubhouse. Prizes were sponsored by “Gilbertson and Page” who kindly provided us with bags of dog food, raffle prizes were sponsored by Allyson Tohme , Dave Wooles and several of our dedicated members and incidentals and equipment were sponsored by K9Ulf. Even the weather was kind, though a few wet days previously meant the tracking, on winter wheat, was a bit muddy to say the least. Ian showed incredible stamina and professionalism when laying the tracks on this heavy ground and then all the helper work on the top of it, well done.

A big thank you to Gavin, Ian and all the club members, competitors, sponsors and spectators who all contributed to a great day and also to K9Ulf who spent so much time on the little details that make the difference, produced all the catalogues and personalised Certificates, provided the grounds and equipment and generally organised it all. We look forward to the next Trial in early 2009, just as soon as we have recovered from this one.

The entry of 11 consisted of mostly GSDs, but there was also a Dobermann, a Giant Schnauzer and two Russian Black Terriers.

The muddy conditions for Tracking didn’t daunt the dogs as only one failed to qualify in this phase. The Best Track Trophy went to Tony Carters Giant Schnauzer with 90 points.

Next the Obedience with some very smart rounds. Sadly, the 2 BRTs failed the BH as they were not quite ready for the formal obedience, though their characters were exemplary. My own dog, Mr.. T (Tycho) passed BH with some nice comments on his obedience. All the Schutzhund dogs qualified in this phase and the Best Obedience Trophy went to Gabriellas Dobermann with 84 points.

Finally, the Protection. My own dog, Angus, failed this phase for Sch I, having decided he knew better than me about whether the Bad Guy should be let go. Arnie Singh with Quantas qualified Sch H II and four out of five dogs made it through the SchHlll protection phase.

Best Protection Trophy was won by Allysons GSD with 90 points.

Best Three Shires Member Trophy went to Mary with GSD Andy, who qualified Sch H III with 249 points.

Click here for scores.

By: Margaret Nyrvana-Jones