The Trial was followed by a seminar with Doug.  The morning session was a lot of theory and we discussed in great detail the Schutzhund tracking dog.  After a short break we moved outside and went through both obedience and protection elements. 

By the time this goes to print Whitehorse will be blanketed in snow- it already is!  The club has begun indoor training.  Space and time is limited, especially with the Canada Winter Games being held next year in Whitehorse. We are making every effort to use the information and knowledge left by Doug and Dorwin while it is still fresh in our heads.  .

For the first time in Doug’s 30 plus years of judging, he encountered an Alaskan Malamute, named Yoda, which put his judging skills and humor to the test.   Including Yoda there are now 5 more Bs, a new TR2 and OB2 and 3 ADs.  Unfortunately our only level 1 team did not pass due to tracking problems

 Dorwin Anderson also came up with both his older dog Spike and young puppy Eddie to act as Trial Helper.  The club members spent time with Dorwin focusing on helper work- for both the dog and handler.  We also got a chance to watch him and his dogs do obedience and tracking.  It was a very rewarding experience and everyone learned something.

There was a lot of information in such a short amount of time.  As we prepare for a new year of trials many members will have lots of new ideas to incorporate into their training program.  No doubt a lot us will be focusing on drive, obedience, building more drive, dumbbells for all those B’s, and of course more drive…