by Kerry Webster » Tue 20 Apr 2004 3:26 pm
Hi Brian,
I live on the beautiful side of Australia, called Perth. Well done on your accomplishment in the obedience ring on your first try.
In Perth, we have quite a lot of the retrieving dogs also competing in obedience trials, and they also do agility, jumpers and some do tracking as well.
I did obedience first with my Golden, getting her CD in three trials, then, we went retrieving. The interest in obedience quickly faded in my dogs eyes, as fetching birds was way more fun. I did persevere however, and once a year I entered her in an obedience trial. She did get her CDX title & then the obedience was put on hold until she achieved her R.T.Ch title. Just this year, she has been in two obedience trials in an endeavour to gain her UD title, but, with three dogs to train and compete with in retrieving, and, try to do UD training, I am finding there isn't enough time in the day. I am hopeful we may still achieve UD before my girl is retired.
Keep up the good work Brian, as you said it is nice to have the title next to your dogs name, and besides, I don't think it ever hurts to give them extra obedience lessons.
By the way, my Golden doesn't agree that heeling is or should be, a part of retrieving, and it takes a heck of a lot of persuasion to convince her otherwise.
Kerry
My goal in life is to become as wonderful as my dog thinks I am.