Fifteen Titles Earned in June 2003 Trial
Thick black clouds hung low over Palmer, Alaska as we neared our tracking fields. The forecast had called for sunny skies, but the early morning clouds belied that
prediction. The grass was wet, but just a little too tall for ideal tracking,
however, participants were happy with the conditions. One TR 1 and two SchH 1s
drew for starting positions and followed Judge Jim Elder out to the field. All
was quiet, not even the handler's breathing could be heard. Jim Elder sensed
the tension and reminded competitors to breathe and relax. He skillfully directed
each track and the fun began.
First to track was Jeanine and Prinzessin Zena vom Schlacht. A little hesitation on the last leg and an occasional high nose earned the team 93
points. Chris and Chrilo's Kona Nut Jones tracked next. Kona tromped past the first article after stopping for an instant and continued along the track only to
poo-poo the second article as well. Loss of points for the articles and a little
lack of attention brought their score to 71. Youth member, Bryan and
Kayla Von Moore's Barron did a good track for 83 points and a TR 1 title.
Veteran handler, Tom, drew the first IPO 3 track. He and Tygar Vom Haus Grossen Hund performed very well with a 97 score.
The second IPO 3 track was expertly handled by Jim and Kayoz Vom Diener (Oz) for the high tracking score of the
trial, 99 points. Competitors and spectators jumped in their vehicles and traversed
the 10 miles to the fields for the last two teams doing FH tracks. Liv and
Harry Von Den Jungen Hansen (Ivan) drew the first track, and despite some rough spots and swarms of mosquitoes, passed with
a 76. Kelly B. provided excellent handling for Kasina Vom Haus Grossen
Hund who sensed something in the nearby woods and warily completed her track with a score of 70.
Back in Anchorage at Kincaid Park's Hundeplatz field, the weather
had turned sunny and warm. Seventy plus degrees took its toll throughout the
day, but participants maintained a positive attitude. Jeanine and Zena were first
on the obedience field for the SchH 1 while Chris and Kona did their long down. Exuberance
and imprecision on some exercises left Jeanine and Zena with an 84 score. Chris
sporty handling of Kona earned 90 points and high in obedience for the trial. Tom
and Tygar finished their IPO 3 obedience with 87, and Jim and Oz earned 88.
After a short break, protection for the two SchH 1s and IPO 3s rounded
out the first day. Jeanine and Zena finished with 80 points and a 257 total. Chris and Kona powered through the routine for 94 points, which was high score in
protection and a total of 255 points. Tom and Tygar put in a solid performance
for 90 and a total of 274. Jim and Oz did almost as well with 88 and a 275 total
that brought them high in trial honors.
Sunday proved to be even hotter than Saturday. Competitors and spectators slathered on sunscreen and prepared for the nine BHs, three OB 1s and an OB
3. Unfortunately, an epidemic of "gee, the gunshots must mean it is playtime"
was to cost four BH teams their titles.
Bryan with Richochet von Talarik (Ric) and Chris with Cen
Vom Hohen Lande (Pekoe) were the first BH teams on the field. Both teams passed
with ease and retired from the field to await the traffic test. Elizabeth with
Maximillian Von Talarik (Max) and Kelly O. with Arctic Vixens Jedi Mind Track both fell victim to the playtime after gunshots
epidemic and did not pass. Tanya with Chayanne Vom Haus Grossen Hund (Anne)
and Kelly O. with Arctic Vixens Playin' Chase were next on the field. Anne
just couldn't keep her attention on Tanya during the off lead exercise and used the gunshots as an excuse to frolic. They did not pass. Chase did a good job
for Kelly O. and they joined the others waiting for the traffic test.
Katherine and Mephistopheles Devil's Charm (Meph) did a fine
job until the gunshots when Meph raced happily around the field and couldn't settle down.
Roman and Adolfo vom Feuer Logic passed in fine form even with the excitement from Meph during Adolf's long down. Tom and Tygar were the last BH entrants, needing this title to qualify for the
HOT SchH 3 club. Tom and Tygar have numerous SchH 3 titles and have participated
in the Nationals twice, but only after extreme peer pressure from club members did Tom finally break down and trial for a
BH title. They paired with Kelly B. and Kassina who were doing their OB 1 title. Tom and Tygar passed easily while the heat took its toll on Kelly B. and Kassina who
scored a 74.
Liv with Nicko Vom Barock Schlossle and Bryan with Kayla
were the final OB 1 participants. Nicko did well with an 85 score, however, Kayla's
break from the long down cost them their title with a score of 65. Jim and
Oz scored 91 and added an OB 3 title to their accomplishments while Tom and Junior vom Haus Grossen Hund were gracious
in their performance as dummy-dog.
All of the sucessful BH teams passed
the traffic test. The Bar-B-Q was fired up so competitors and spectators could unwind with food and cold beverages.
The Kenai Schutzhund Club would like to thank all of the members who pitched in to make this large trial a success.
Thank you also to Valerie Trial Secretary; Kelly B. IPO 3 Tracklayer; Jim FH 1 Tracklayer; Kerin Elder Cross-tracklayer; and
Roman Helper. We are also grateful to Lake Otis McDonaldsä and Mike Barnes for donating burgers
and fixins, and manning the grill for our Bar-B-Q on Saturday and Sunday. Special thanks goes to our Judge, Jim Elder,
who provided an exceptional trial experience for paticipants and spectators.
