Introducing Sweetbay's 2010 Titlists

Introducing Sweetbay’s 2010 Titlists

We'd like to introduce you to the Newfoundlands and their special owners who achieved titles in 2010.

Leesa and Cabot

Sweetbay’s Cabot CDX, RE OFA EL-3710
Call Name: Cabot
Born: 10-6-06
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay’s Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Taylor, OFA NF-8333, EL-2288
Owner: Leesa Hobbs, Garden City, Idaho
Title earned: CD (AKC Companion Dog obedience title)

Farmington, Utah hosts its three-day show weekend the end of March, and Leesa Hobbs and Cabot took full advantage. Cabot was in the Novice A class, since Leesa has never earned a title - but he and Leesa did not look like novices. They qualified all three days: on Friday, with a 192 and third place. Saturday, a 182 and fourth place. Sunday, a 189 and fourth place. The Golden Spike organizers believe that the new entrants are the future of the sport, so they encourage those entries by offering delightful prizes and gifts. In addition to the required ribbons and rosettes, Leesa took home homemade cookies just for entering, dog toys for qualifying, and a glorious black-and-gold rosette for the new title.

Rick and Zara navigate a downhill portion of the freight haul

Sweetbay’s Zara CD WD DD, OFA NF-10497, EL-4123
Call Name: Zara
Born: 3-19-08
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay’s Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Somerset, OFA NF-9432
Owner: Pat and Rick Pourchot, Ballwin, Missouri
Title earned: DD (NCA Draft Dog carting title)

Rick Pourchot enjoys training for draft. He likes the precision and he likes the companionship, he likes the gear and he likes the outdoor environment. Fortunately, Zara loves it, too. Rick worked hard to get ready for River King’s draft test in April, not just putting in the basic training but teaching Zara skills and finesse far beyond what was required. It paid off, too, as Zara was the only dog to pass the test that day. She was also the youngest of the entries, having just celebrated her second birthday. She made the work look easy, too, having a perfect run on a difficult maneuvering course (with zero bumps) and doing equally well on an arduous freight haul. As a special bonus, a local reporter attended the test, and Zara wound up on the front page of the (Alton, Illinois) newspaper.

Judge Patti Pigeon (left) poses with Carol and Hayley.

Sweetbay’s Hayley WRD DD, OFA NF-10036, OFA EL-3686
Call name: Hayley
Born: October 6, 2006
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay’s Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Taylor, OFA NF-8333, EL-2288
Owner: Carol & Mike Perkowski, Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Title earned: DD requalification (NCA Draft Dog carting title)

High Country Newfoundland Club’s spring draft test was held at Lions Park in Golden, Colorado, on April 24. Lions Park is swarming with distractions, and dogs have to be under impeccable control to do well there. Carol Perkowski knew her Hayley was up to the task. She had earned her draft title a year ago, but she loved carting, and Carol entered her again just for the fun of it. Training was simple; once Hayley learns something, she never forgets, so it only took a couple practice sessions to get her back into stellar draft mode. Conditioning was even simpler; Hayley is very active and stays in shape year round. The actual test was a breeze, too. The only tricky moment came during the freight haul, when a little fuzzy crème-colored dog appeared on the trail just ahead. Hayley loves little dogs, and this one was especially playful, and right in the way. Thinking fast, Carol began telling Hayley how beautiful she was, and how smart, piling compliment upon compliment. She talked her right past the little dog; Hayley barely even noticed the distraction.

Magic

Sweetbay’s Magic CD RE DD, OFA NF-9448
Call Name: Magic
Born: 2-21-05
Sire: Sweetbay’s Tanner AmCanCD RN AmCanDD, OFA 7777, EL-1867
Dam: Sweetbay’s Darby AmCanCD RE TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Owner: Ida & Robert Freimer, Dover, Massachusetts
Title earned: RE (AKC Rally Excellent rally title)

Ida and Magic entered the November 2008 American Bullmastiff Association trials in Franklin, Massachusetts, aiming to finish their rally advanced title. When that went as planned, with Magic qualifying easily, Ida posted up for the Sunday trial, and she and Magic garnered that first RE leg as well. Then real life intervened, with a far-too-busy family schedule. It wasn’t until this year that Ida was able to get back to rally. She again chose the Bullmastiff trials in Franklin, entering their two-day trial on May 8 and 9. On Saturday, Magic easily qualified; on Sunday she scored a solid 93 (and third place) to finish up the RE.

Lexi poses with her qualifying ribbon upon completing her RA title

Sweetbay’s Alexis AmCanCD U-CD RA WD CanWRD DD, NF-8169, OFA EL-2157
Call Name: Lexi
Born: 11-15-01
Sire: Sweetbay's Cheechako AmCanCDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF-4603, EL-173
Dam: Sweetbay's Esme AmCanCD TD WRD AmCanDD, OFA NF-7215, EL-1456
Owner: Kenny Norman, Bellevue, Washington
Title earned: RA (AKC Rally Advanced rally title)

Lexi earned her first rally advanced leg in May, 2009, with a novice handler at the helm: owner Kenny Norman. Kenny did his part, though, and Lexi scored a sturdy 95. Their second leg came half a year later, at Puyallup in January 2010. Again, Lexi did quality work, scoring a 92. Their third leg, again with a 92 score, wrapped up the title. This was on May 15, 2010, at the German shepherd trials in Renton.

Zara

Sweetbay’s Zara CD WD DD, OFA NF-10497, EL-4123
Call Name: Zara
Born: 3-19-08
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay’s Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Somerset, OFA NF-9432
Owner: Pat and Rick Pourchot, Ballwin, Missouri
Title earned: CD (AKC Companion Dog obedience title)

Owner Pat Pourchot was showing Olivia (her older Sweetbay Newf) in utility in June, and she decided it would make sense to enter youngster Zara in novice at the same shows. As often happens, the ring times conflicted, and Pat found herself rushing from ring to ring, with no time to warm Zara up before her turn. Zara managed just fine, though, presenting Pat with that first CD leg. A week later, they were in two more trials, at a local recreation center, conveniently only minutes from home. On Saturday, Zara was solid, earning a nice 187.5 for leg #2. By Sunday, she was in full swing, scoring a 194 with her enthusiastic, crisp heeling and great recall.

Remy rescues the “unconscious” victim

Sweetbay’s Remy CDX RN WRDX, OFA NF-9157
Call Name: Remy
Born: 5-19-04
Sire: CanCh Sweetbay’s Kyak AmCanCDX WRD CanWRDX DD CanDDX W-FD FDN, OFA NF-7189
Dam: Sweetbay’s Darby AmCanCD RE TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Owners: Ann Dunnigan, Afton, Minnesota
Title earned: WRDX (NCA Water Rescue Dog Excellent water title)

Ann Dunnigan lives in northern Minnesota, where winter hangs on by its toenails, and there’s not much time to get ready for an early-summer water test. But the High Country club (in Colorado) sponsors a great pair of tests in July, and Ann made sure she and Remy were there. At the Saturday (July 24) test, Remy was the only WRDX entry, but she more than made up for the lack of numbers by the quality of the work. Remy was letter-perfect in the six exercises, performing each task with focus, and with a strength far beyond what her petite, feminine size might suggest. Ann was especially pleased with the work, reporting with a grin, “Remy actually worked with me. Usually she evaluates my suggestions as to their propriety before she decides to humor me.”

Ruca

WA Sweetbay’s Ruca CDX RE WRD TDD, OFA EL-4152
Call name: Ruca
Born: 4-4-08
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay's Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Ellie, OFA NF-9695
Owner: Sue and Mark Raney, Arvada, Colorado
Title earned: WD (NCA Water Dog water rescue title)

Sue Raney worked hard to get exuberant Ruca ready for High Country’s July 24 water test. Not on the water tasks; Ruca is loaded with instinct and energy, and pulling in boats and retrieving bumpers and boat cushions were a cinch for this eager girl. But basic control was another story. Heeling politely and remaining in a down-stay for a minute were not Ruca’s strong points. So Sue took Ruca to drop-in obedience classes and fun matches, and she practiced heeling, recalls and stays at every venue available. When Ruca held that down in front of the guinea pig cages at PetSmart, Sue knew they were on their way. They aced all six exercises at the water test, starting with a stellar basic control performance – and the five water exercises were every bit as glorious.

Rick and Zara catch a boat ride on their way to the rescue exercise

Sweetbay’s Zara CD WRD DD, OFA NF-10497, EL-4123
Call Name: Zara
Born: 3-19-08
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay’s Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Somerset, OFA NF-9432
Owner: Pat and Rick Pourchot, Ballwin, Missouri
Title earned: WRD (NCA Water Rescue Dog water title)

Rick Pourchot’s local Newfoundland club, River King, was offering two separate tests on a single weekend in mid-August, with twenty-five slots available per day. That’s ideal; it gives entrants two chances for a title. But – whoa! - the club received fifty entries for each test, so entrants were drawn by lottery. Rick and Zara squeaked in, as their entry was drawn only for the Sunday test. The test waters had a stiff lateral current, and articles, victims and boats quickly drifted to the right. Many dogs had trouble coping with the conditions, and quickly failed. But Rick had proofed extensively on land, and Zara understood just what to do. Rick also used Zara’s draft commands, directing her to the correct retrieve article and the correct life ring victim with well-timed “gee” and “haw” reminders.

Ruca

WA Sweetbay’s Ruca CDX RE WRD TDD, OFA EL-4152
Call name: Ruca
Born: 4-4-08
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay's Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Ellie, OFA NF-9695
Owner: Sue and Mark Raney, Arvada, Colorado
Title earned: CD (AKC Companion Dog obedience title)

The first of anything, by definition, comes without the prior experience that would help you succeed. Sure, you enter, with high hopes and crossed fingers – but you really don’t know how you’re going to do. Sue and Ruca’s first obedience shows were in August, and the weather was typical for Denver in the summer: hot, hot, hot. Her first trial, on Friday, August 20, was part of the Newfie regional specialty. Ruca ignored the heat and was super-exuberant in the ring, earning her first leg with a 189 and taking second place in the class. Her second leg came the following day. She qualified easily, although Sue could see the heat affected the performance. Then, on Sunday, Ruca pulled out all the stops and qualified for her third leg. Her 183.5 earned her a fourth place rosette in a very large all-breed Novice B class.

Sonnet enjoys the cool weather at the beach after earning her rally title.

Sweetbay’s Sonnet CDX U-CDX RE UR01 TD WRD CanWRDX, OFA NF-8250, EL-2224
Call Name: Sonnet
Born: 3-28-02
Sire: CanCh Sweetbay’s Kyak CD CanCDX WRD CanWRDX DD CanDDX W-FD FDN, OFA NF-7189
Dam: Sweetbay’s Darby AmCanCD RE TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Owners: Sharon and Michael Marcus, Portland, Oregon
Title earned: UR01 (UKC Rally Novice title)

Sharon Marcus loves UKC obedience trials. They are generally smaller, quieter, and much more friendly than the other venues. Thus, she entered Sonnet in UKC rally novice trials with happy anticipation. Sonnet fulfilled her expectations, too, earning her first two legs on August 18 and 19. This was particularly gratifying since the weather was way too warm for Newfies, and the indoor trial had no air conditioning. Sonnet’s third leg came at her next trial, on September 24th. Sonnet seemed to have a particular affinity for third place, her class ranking for both her first and third legs.

Petra celebrates at the beach after earning her rally title.

Sweetbay’s Petra CDX U-CDX RN UR01 WD DD
Call name: Petra
Born: October 6, 2006
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay’s Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Taylor, OFA NF-8333, EL-2288
Owners: Sharon & Michael Marcus, Portland, Oregon
Title earned: UR01 (UKC Rally Novice title)

If you’re thinking about rally trials and you have two dogs who know the work, you may as well enter both. That’s what Sharon Marcus did. And Petra followed in the footsteps of her older pal, Sonnet, by earning her first two rally legs on August 18 and 19, and the third in September. Sharon wryly confided that their personalities are far from identical, though. She always has a bit of handler juggling to do, as Sonnet likes to get accustomed to the ringside conditions long before her turn, while Petra does her best if she arrives at the ring at the last minute.

Sue and Ruca pose with their judge after earning their rally leg at the regional specialty.

WA Sweetbay’s Ruca CDX RE WRD TDD, OFA EL-4152
Call name: Ruca
Born: 4-4-08
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay's Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Ellie, OFA NF-9695
Owner: Sue and Mark Raney, Arvada, Colorado
Title earned: RN (AKC Rally Novice title)

Denver has an annual regional specialty, every fall, and Sue Raney knew that would be a great venue for Ruca’s rally debut. Rally, especially novice rally, is very forgiving. For instance, if you mess you, you have the opportunity to redo it correctly, with only a small penalty. Sue has jokingly called herself the Queen of Do-Overs, because she consistently missed a sign or messed up at least one station every time she showed in rally in the past. Thus she was absolutely thrilled when Ruca qualified with a first place finish and a perfect score of 100. And not one single do-over. Ruca’s second and third trials came in September. She easily qualified at both, showing Sue that she was not only enthusiastic and competent, but consistent.

Vivian relaxes at home after a long day at the trial

Sweetbay’s Vivian CD RE TD TDD WD, OFA NF-10505, EL-4130
Call name: Vivi
Born: 4-4-08
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay's Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Ellie, OFA NF-9695
Owner: Maria Rizzuto, Golden, Colorado
Title earned: CD (AKC Companion Dog obedience title)

Maria Rizzuto enjoys training for obedience, and she admits it’s extra fun when the dog is as exuberant as Vivian. They earned their first leg in August, qualifying with ease. Their second leg almost didn’t happen. Maria misread the judging schedule and barely arrived in time for their turn. Rushing never helps, and Vivian wasn’t as focused on the work as she usually is, but she still qualified, for leg #2. Leg #3 came the next morning. Maria read the schedule at least a dozen times, was there plenty early, and Vivian came through with a nice 185 and a third place finish.

Maria (#21) welcomes Jimmy as he brings the life ring victim to shore.

VN Ch Sweetbay’s James CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-8867, OFA EL-2706
Call name: Jimmy
Born: 9-6-03
Sire: Sweetbay’s Tanner AmCanCD RN AmCanDD, OFA 7777, EL-1867
Dam: Sweetbay’s Darby AmCanCD RE TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Owner: Maria Rizzuto, Golden, Colorado
Title earned: WRD (NCA Water Rescue Dog advanced water title)

Talk about internal pressure. Maria Rizzuto was only inches from earning Jimmy’s Versatile Newfoundland title. All she needed was a WRD – and Jimmy had been letter-perfect on those six exercises all summer. Now if only he could pass when it counted! She entered him in High Country’s September water tests, both Saturday and Sunday. And he rewarded her hard work by fulfilling her dream. He passed both days, with absolutely perfect performances. There wasn’t one second where his work was even the least questionable. He entered the water promptly and with enthusiasm; his boat jumps were admirable. He rescued every victim in record time. His underwater retrieve was stellar. And Maria was over the moon.

VN Ch Sweetbay’s James CD RN WRD TDD

VN Ch Sweetbay’s James CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-8867, OFA EL-2706
Call name: Jimmy
Born: 9-6-03
Sire: Sweetbay’s Tanner AmCanCD RN AmCanDD, OFA 7777, EL-1867
Dam: Sweetbay’s Darby AmCanCD RE TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Owner: Maria Rizzuto, Golden, Colorado
Title earned: VN (the NCA’s Versatile Newfoundland degree)

Many years ago, when Jimmy was just a pup, Maria Rizzuto told her breeder, Judi Adler, that “Jimmy is so much fun to be with, I’m in no rush to earn titles. I just enjoy being with him, and doing all sorts of interesting things.” And that’s how he earned his Versatile Newfoundland title, the honorary award the NCA gives to dogs who earn a championship plus four specific working titles. Maria tackled the two “bookends” first: her most favorite activity (water work) and her least favorite (the breed ring). In 2005, Jimmy earned his championship and his junior water title. In 2007, he added a draft title. (Maria’s not all that fond of draft, either, but Jimmy loved carting, so she indulged him.) In 2009, they completed the requirements for a CD. And in the summer of 2010, Jimmy finished off the list, qualifying not once but twice for his WRD.

Jimmy returns the paddle to Maria

VN Ch Sweetbay’s James CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-8867, OFA EL-2706
Call name: Jimmy
Born: 9-6-03
Sire: Sweetbay’s Tanner AmCanCD RN AmCanDD, OFA 7777, EL-1867
Dam: Sweetbay’s Darby AmCanCD RE TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Owner: Maria Rizzuto, Golden, Colorado
Title earned: requalification, WRD (NCA Water Rescue Dog advanced water title)

High Country sponsors a weekend of water tests in the fall: one test Saturday, a second test Sunday. Jimmy was entered in both, and he qualified for his WRD on Saturday. That meant Maria could stay home on Sunday, sleeping in and relaxing and resting on her laurels – but where’s the fun in that? So she and Jim were back at Chatfield early Sunday morning, braving the changeable Denver weather and prepared to give the six WRD exercises another try. Jimmy walked onto the beach with a happy swagger and a big grin, exuding confidence and enthusiasm. He romped through each task with speed and he requalified easily and flawlessly. Good boy, Jim!

Lexi delivers the line to the steward during the take-a-line/tow-a-boat exercise in the senior division.

Sweetbay’s Alexis AmCanCD U-CD RA WRD CanWRD DD, NF-8169, OFA EL-2157
Call Name: Lexi
Born: 11-15-01
Sire: Sweetbay's Cheechako AmCanCDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF-4603, EL-173
Dam: Sweetbay's Esme AmCanCD TD WRD AmCanDD, OFA NF-7215, EL-1456
Owner: Kenny Norman, Bellevue, Washington
Title earned: WRD (NCA Water Rescue Dog advanced water title)

Lexi began competing in water tests as a youngster. She qualified in junior easily, but one glitch or another denied her a senior title. Then life intervened, and there were no water test appearances for many years. However, as she approached her ninth birthday, owner Ken Norman decided she deserved one more try. He entered her in the Pacific Northwest Newfoundland Club’s test at Horseshoe Lake, on September 18. In true Lexi style, she kept the spectators on the edge of their seats, needing every second of the two-minute time limit for a long directed retrieve, then turning just a little short while delivering the line to the boat. (A fast-thinking steward with good timing saved the day.) Ken said, “We had very little time to train this summer, and no one to train with. That’s not ideal if you wish to pass. But Lexi is a really smart girl who can take the things she learns and apply them to new situations. She loves to figure out what is being asked of her – even though it’s hard, since I am a novice handler at the water. She is a true working dog.”

Wyatt

Sweetbay’s Wyatt WD RN, OFA NF-9155, EL-2930
Call Name: Wyatt
Born: 5-19-04
Sire: CanCh Sweetbay’s Kyak AmCanCDX WRD CanWRDX DD CanDDX W-FD FDN, OFA NF-7189
Dam: Sweetbay’s Darby AmCanCD RE TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Owner: Kathy Robbins, Mt. Airy, Maryland
Title earned: RN (AKC Rally Novice title)

The year Wyatt turned six was the first year Kathy Robbins had enough free time to devote to competitive training. Wyatt had lovely manners and was a delightful companion, but now it was time to get busy on the more formal work. Kathy started him in rally, teaching him the individual tasks and then stringing them together in complicated courses. She trained at home, then proofed him in new, distracting situations. It was a very effective way to train, as Wyatt did spectacularly well when he made his rally debut. He qualified on September 25th with a score of 99 (earning a fourth place ribbon). His second trial was the following day; he scored a perfect 100 and second place. One of the stations was the spiral, where the handler and dog do a complex pattern around three traffic cones, and Wyatt sailed around with his white tail flying, earning applause from the spectators and compliments from the judge. His next show was on October 2, and his score of 99 earned another second place ribbon. In an unexpected glitch, the three dogs prior to Wyatt had each soiled the ring, and the club had no equipment to adequately clean the ring. Wyatt is very fastidious; if there is poop in the area, he does not like to walk (or heel) there. Kathy had to work a bit harder than usual, cheerleading him through the stinky spots!

Sue puts Quin (right) and Ruca through their paces at a training session.

Sweetbay’s Quin CD RE WRD TDD, OFA NF-8101, EL-2105
Call name: Quin
Born: 11-15-01
Sire: Sweetbay’s Cheechako AmCanCDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF-4603, EL-173
Dam: Sweetbay’s Esme AmCanCD TD WRD AmCanDD, OFA NF-7215, EL-1456
Owner: Sue and Mark Raney, Arvada, Colorado
Title earned: TDD (NCA Team Draft Dog title)

Sue Raney spent most of the summer training her younger dog, Ruca, for water work. Quin was feeling pretty left out, so he was delighted when Sue brought out the team cart and harnessed him up with Ruca. Quin knows draft work, inside and out, and his experience and calm nature seemed to pass magically onto Ruca. So Sue entered them in High Country’s October 2 draft test and crossed her fingers. It was one of those wonderfully cool days, and Quin was definitely feeling his oats, but they qualified, doing particularly nice work on the freight haul.

Sue and Ruca

WA Sweetbay’s Ruca CDX RE WRD TDD, OFA EL-4152
Call name: Ruca
Born: 4-4-08
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay's Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Ellie, OFA NF-9695
Owner: Sue and Mark Raney, Arvada, Colorado
Title earned: TDD (NCA Team Draft Dog title)

Ruca is young and energetic, and she thinks carting should be done with speed and gusto. Fortunately, her teammate, Quin, is more reasonable, and she bowed to his elder wisdom. Together, they tried for their team draft title at the High Country Newfoundland Club draft test on October 2. Ruca got a little goofy, rolling on the grass before her turn to be harnessed, but it was a lovely cool day and the grass was wet and enticing, and what’s a girl to do with that sort of temptation? It got even more interesting on the freight haul, as the route doubled back on itself. Sue’s husband Mark was the lead steward, and at one point, Mark passed them going the opposite direction. Sue reminded Ruca to stay focused, and Ruca obliged – although she hauled forward for quite a distance while looking over her shoulder, keeping Mark in view. Ruca and Quin qualified nicely, earning that TDD with style.

Quin takes a break from draft work and indulges in a retrieving session with a favorite toy

Sweetbay’s Quin CD RE WRD TDD, OFA NF-8101, EL-2105
Call name: Quin
Born: 11-15-01
Sire: Sweetbay’s Cheechako AmCanCDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF-4603, EL-173
Dam: Sweetbay’s Esme AmCanCD TD WRD AmCanDD, OFA NF-7215, EL-1456
Owner: Sue and Mark Raney, Arvada, Colorado
Title earned: TDD requalification (NCA Team Draft Dog title)

When your local club sponsors two draft tests, back-to-back, the smart handlers enter both. There are just so many little things that could go wrong, and having two chances to earn that title is a blessing. Turns out Sue Raney only needed one; Quin and Ruca passed nicely the day before. But her dogs love draft work, especially team draft, so Sue gave it a second try. She freely admits that it was lovely, having all the pressure off. Quin and Ruca obviously felt more relaxed, too, as they breezed through the obedience section, the maneuvering course, and the freight haul with nary a mishap.

Ruca (foreground) and Quin wait patiently to be harnessed.

Taylor

Sweetbay’s Taylor RN, OFA NF-8333, EL-2288
Call Name: Taylor
Born: 3-15-02
Sire: Sweetbay’s Cheechako AmCanCDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF-4603, EL-173
Dam: Sweetbay's Wahkeena, OFA NF-7129, EL-1392
Owners: Leesa Hobbs, Garden City, Idaho
Title earned: RN (AKC Rally Novice title)

You’d think, once a girl reaches eight and a half, that she would be allowed to just chill out on the couch and eat bonbons. But Leesa Hobbs, Taylor’s owner, had recently discovered rally, and Leesa was sure Taylor would enjoy it. And did she ever! Taylor took to the training like it was a big box of wonderful presents. Each station was fun to master; then came the real fun, stringing them together in a pattern. Taylor loved the work, and couldn’t wait for the training sessions. Leesa entered the Treasure Valley cluster shows in Boise, the weekend of October 14-16. This was Taylor’s first time at any competitive activity, and she did Leesa proud. She passed rally novice all three days, earning her RN title with a 92 (fourth place), 88 (second place) and 92 (third place).

Cabot

Sweetbay’s Cabot CDX RE, OFA EL-3710
Call Name: Cabot
Born: 10-6-06
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay’s Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Taylor, OFA NF-8333, EL-2288
Owner: Leesa Hobbs, Garden City, Idaho
Title earned: RN (AKC Rally Novice title)

Rally is so much fun, you can’t do it just once. Owner Leesa Hobbs decided to work both her dogs, and that was a very smart decision. Not only did mom Taylor do well, but her son Cabot really took to it. You could tell he loved the variety and the precision. With each training session, he got more enthusiastic and more impressive. They entered the October 14-16 weekend of shows in Boise, and Cabot qualified all three days. He swept first place in novice B each day, with scores of 97, 99, and a perfect 100.

Judi and Maisie are all smiles after earning their first CDX leg.

Sweetbay’s Maisie CDX RE DD, OFA NF-8251, EL-2225
Call Name: Maisie
Born: 3-28-02
Sire: CanCh Sweetbay’s Kyak CD CanCDX WRD CanWRDX DD CanDDX W-FD FDN, OFA NF-7189
Dam: Sweetbay’s Darby AmCanCD RE TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Owners: Judi & Ellis Adler, Sherwood, Oregon
Title earned: CDX (AKC Companion Dog Excellent advanced obedience title)

Judi Adler started training Maisie for open just before Maisie’s eighth birthday. That’s relatively old for a Newf, but Maisie didn’t know that. She was active and agile and full of energy, so open seemed like a good possibility. Once Maisie had a grasp of the exercises, Judi took their act “on the road,” training in strange and distracting places. Open has so many possibilities for failure, and you need to do some pretty extensive proofing if you hope for success. Once that was accomplished, then it was on to the shows. At age eight and a half, Maisie earned her first CDX leg. The brand new Sherwood Dog Training Club sponsored its first trial on August 28. It was only a few miles down the road, and Judi happily supported them with her Open A entry. Maisie did them proud, too, scoring a 194 and taking first place, as well as earning a very nice trophy for High Score Working Dog. Her second leg came in October, at the Mt. Hood Keeshond Club trial. Her score of 188 earned a third place rosette. The next opportunity was on Halloween weekend, Oct 30-31, in Vancouver, Washington. Maisie qualified both days, earning her CDX on Saturday with a 193 (first place), and earning an insurance leg on Sunday with a 194 (third place).

Petra

Sweetbay’s Petra CDX U-CDX RN UR01 WD DD
Call name: Petra
Born: October 6, 2006
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay’s Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Taylor, OFA NF-8333, EL-2288
Owners: Sharon & Michael Marcus, Portland, Oregon
Title earned: UCDX (UKC Companion Dog Excellent title)

Open obedience isn’t for sissies. It’s a huge leap up from novice, and few CD dogs successfully achieve that next plateau. Sharon Marcus was familiar with Open; she had earned CDX titles on two previous Newfs, and she knew her young Petra would be up to the challenge. Sharon likes UKC trials; their low-key atmosphere and smaller attendance make them a good entry venue. So Petra started off on her road to a UKC CDX. She earned her first leg on September 25th. Then came a bit of a hiatus. The first weekend in November produced two more trials, held in a dirt-floored horse barn. The enticing smells caused many dogs to forgo working in favor of hearty investigative sniffing. Sharon used every bit of her handling skills to keep Petra on task, and her efforts were rewarded. Petra finished her title, earning a leg both Saturday and Sunday, and taking a second and a first place in her class.

Jess and Judi (with the glove) pose with their tracklayer (left) and judges.

Sweetbay’s Jesca CDX RE TD, OFA NF-10489, EL-4115
Call name: Jess
Born: 4-4-08
Sire: VN Ch Sweetbay's Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Dam: Sweetbay’s Ellie, OFA NF-9695
Owner: Judi & Ellis Adler, Sherwood, Oregon
Title earned: TD (AKC Tracking Dog title)

Jess began tracking as a four-month-old puppy. Running in the fields was fun, but the concept didn’t really click. Then one day, shortly after her first birthday, it was like someone flipped a switch. She not only got the idea, she was intensely keen to find that glove. From then on, there was no stopping her. The harder the problem, the more she loved it. She tracked over roads, up and down hills, into and out of the woods, across ditches and creeks. When the weather turned nasty, she really showed her skills, coping with the heavy rains and monsoon winds that play havoc with laid-down scent. She certified in spring 2010 – but did not make it into a tracking test until November 21. Luckiamute Dog Training Club offered four TD slots at their Monmouth test, and Jess made the draw. The weather was great (cold and dry), the fields were rough (dirt clumps and ice-covered puddles) but had adequate vegetation – and Jess soared down her track, finding that glove in five minutes flat. The next-to-last (fourth) leg was an extra long one, and she was intensely focused, barreling across the field. Then, nearby, someone fired two fast rifle blasts, bang bang! Jess flew into the air, all four feet leaving the ground, startled out of her wits, her eyes big, every muscle ready for flight. Judi calmly said, “What? Did you forget about your glove?” – and Jess visibly calmed. She turned back around, refound the scent, and raced through the last corner and down the final leg, snatching up her glove with glee.

After his trial success, Wyatt celebrated with a game of snow soccer.

Sweetbay’s Wyatt CD WD RN, OFA NF-9155, EL-2930
Call Name: Wyatt
Born: 5-19-04
Sire: CanCh Sweetbay’s Kyak AmCanCDX WRD CanWRDX DD CanDDX W-FD FDN, OFA NF-7189
Dam: Sweetbay’s Darby AmCanCD RE TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Owner: Kathy Robbins, Mt. Airy, Maryland
Title earned: CD (AKC Companion Dog obedience title)

Kathy Robbins had a startling realization one day. Her Wyatt was six years old – and he had never set foot in an obedience ring. Kathy’s previous dogs had all earned solid obedience titles and at much younger ages; they had loved the work and Kathy had enjoyed showing them. Why hadn’t she given Wyatt this opportunity? So she set to work, teaching him the structured exercises and then practicing in distracting places. When they were ready, she sent in her entries.

Their first try was on Monday, November 29th, at an indoor show and with an efficient judge. Wyatt did well on the individual exercises. Kathy was optimistic until she realized an acquaintance’s intact male schnauzer would be next to Wyatt on the stays. That schnauzer had a long history of breaking the stay to “visit” other dogs. Sure enough, he popped up on the long down, went over to Wyatt and nosed him a couple times, and then leapt onto Wyatt’s back and mounted him with frenetic intensity. Wyatt leapt to his feet, looking at Kathy with bewildered eyes, but he remained in place until the judge removed the offending schnauzer. Although Wyatt did earn his first leg that day, it was not the most auspicious beginning to their obedience career!

But Wyatt is a trooper. His second and third legs came only a few days later, on December 4 and 5. The obedience ring was crammed into a tiny building; there was no room to set up a crate or to warm up your dog. And a huge overhead fan blasted hot air right into the ring. Despite these unpleasantries, Wyatt qualified easily both days.