out and about

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Beginnings

How did you become "hooked" into this sport of dog obedience? Let's read on:

My start in obedience began in 1986 when, volunteering at the local humane society, I met a sheltie breeder who also happened to be a CKC obedience judge.  After striking up a friendship, she gave me a 9 month old sheltie pup she had recently "bought back"  who had been under-socialized and was scared of anything that moved.  By letting me take him to beginner obedience classes, she hoped he would learn to enjoy life outside of his crate.  It was a long slow process, with many setbacks as this pup would simply shutdown if life got to be too much for him - to see him hide behind a chair with his tail flat on his stomach and his head hanging down to the ground would have broken anyone's heart.

With time however, he began to cautiously come out of his shell.  At first it was just a quick sniff of the grass or a fleeting glance at your face and then he would be fine at home but the outdoors was impossible.  After 2 years of constant improvements and many Novice classes,  I began to think that maybe he could go to a match.  We entered and to our absolute delight, won third place with a 194.  I still have that ribbon and will cherish forever the comments that the judge made after giving out the scores; she said, "what a happy little dog"!   Carmylie Foremost Firebrand  (Brandon) went on to attain his Canadian CDX and American CD and was trained in Utility before a brain tumour took him far too early at the age of 6.  He taught me more than any other dog ever will.

Without the kindness of this breeder/judge and the support of many along the way, I would not have become hooked on this wonderful sport - something we should all remember as we talk to newcomers.

Thanks for letting me ramble,

Jane McNee
Ottawa, Canada

Touchstone's Coming Up Roses  "Tinder"  (Australian Shepherd)
Frelore's Animation  Am/Cdn CD   "Disney"  (Australian Shepherd)
OTCH Carmylie's Spark of Fire  Am. CDX  "Fiver"  (1989-1999 - Shetland Sheepdog)
Carmylie Foremost Firebrand  Cdn CDX, Am. CD  "Brandon"  (1986-1992 - Shetland Sheepdog)

(Copyright, Obed-Comp Mailing List, 2000. Friday, August 04, 2000 edition. Used with permission from Jane McNee.)

Why not be part of "out and about" and send us a brief description of how you became involved in this sport to: NK Concepts - Dog Supply Training Specialist. (For instance, it could be about how you got involved in: obedience, agility, flyball, tracking, conformation, judging, etc.) You might end up reading about yourself right here, so come on in! Keep an eye open for different topics of interest such as: profiles on people and their dogs, to name but a few interesting topics...Also, have a look at what Rita Susanto and "Justin" have been up to these days.

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