The story of Merlot's CD title (AKC's Companion Dog title for those of you who don't know).
Around this house, Obedience is a way of life. When I got Merlot, I decided that I wanted to compete in Obedience for titles on my dogs, something I had never done. This is what happens when you start associating with other dog people! My Search and Rescue group is to blame for this one. Half of them are obedience instructors and have roped me into this game.
Merlot entered puppy training class at HOTC (Huntsville Obedience Training Club). First one in the phone book, first one I called. I was new to this town and didn't know where to go for what. It was ok, but I didn't feel I was getting what I needed out of the course. I decided to take Basic Obedience at OTCH (Obedience Training Center of Huntsville). They showed me just how much I DIDN'T know about training dogs. For this I will always be thankful.
We trained through Basic, Sub-Novice, and entered Novice class when Merlot was about 9 month old. Novice class is the class that gets you ready to show in Novice obedience trials. Show season was starting in the winter and we wanted to have a few good months to work out any problems. Our heeling improved, as well as our recall. Gradually, it was coming together.
Now, here we are in NOV of 2000. Merlot is just over a year old and we have competed in 2 obedience trials. The first was a totally flub. Merlots off leash heeling was nonexistent. He enjoyed playing the crowd I think. Well, I worked him for a solid week on "Watch me, not them" and it paid off!
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On 11-19-00, Merlot earned his FIRST obedience leg at the Cahaba Valley Kennel Club in Birmingham, AL under Judge Mrs. Linda Bryan. We scored a 193 1/2 out of 200 points and FIRST PLACE in Novice A!! His off leash heeling was better than on! Talk about a turn around dog! We are very proud of his ability to work through the distraction and have even higher hopes than before! ONE LEG DOWN- TWO TO GO!!! Next show will be in Atlanta in Feb. Watch for us and our big black poodle there! |
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FEB 2, 2001 in Atlanta, GA-Sawnee Mountain Kennel Club. Merlot and I showed all three days. The first day, we had the same judge above, from Birmingham. To get your CD, you must show under 3 different Judges at 3 different shows. So, Friday didn't count, although we did qualify, though just barely! It was a good day to get Merlot use to the show and warm up.
FEB 3 2001 in Atlanta, GA-Conyers Kennel Club. Merlot and I gave it our best shot. He was not as polished as I would like, but with all the noise and distractions, I think we did pretty good. Final Score was a 191 1/2 and 3rd place! A lovely Golden got first with 196 1/2 and it was well deserved! 2nd was a Cattle Dog with a score of 192. I can't remember who got 4th.
FEB 4th 2001 in Atlanta, GA- Lawrenceville Kennel Club. Merlot really didn't want to show by this day. I think from now on we will only do 2 days and call it quits, unless we need that day to finish. Overall, he did good. Final score was 188 1/2 and 3rd place again! Not bad for a dog who forgot to sit in front on the recall! The Golden, again got first place with a score of 195, a lovely Sammy got second with a score of 189, and a Rottie got 4th with a 184 I think.
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Merlot is now: Marquis Anutta Fine Wine CD
Special thanks to Janet, Ana, Lori, Darcy, and everyone in my Obedience class who gave us tips on how to better handle and perform in the show ring! CDX here we come!! |
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