My introduction to formal dog obedience occurred after I adopted my first German shepherd from a rescue organization in 1998. Augie was a 110 lb black and tan, three year old, abused and neglected GSD, with many trust issues. Upon meeting Augie for the first time, I saw something in his eyes. That soulful look so many German shepherds have. The rescue organization informed me that I would have to sign a waiver if I wanted to take on this challenge because they did not want to be held responsible due to Augie’s bite history. I searched my soul and decided I would take on this challenge because I knew in my heart that there was a gentle soul in this dog. I signed up for an obedience class to begin building the bond that I needed to over come Augie’s issues. I was told that Augie would never be able to obtain an AKC obedience title, but I had faith and we began our journey in training. Augie taught me a lot about the power of patience and unconditional love. I finally found something in my life that I was passionate about “dog training”. Augie obtained that AKC CD title, with a comment from the judge, “your shepherd has one of the best temperaments I’ve seen in a very long time”. Last year I had to do one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. I had promised Augie that he would never suffer again physically or emotionally. His body was failing him even though his spirit was still strong, and I sat with him as he went into that eternal sleep.

I purchased my AKC obedience dog in September 2002, Ian “Jackson” vom Grunenfeld. Jackson is a German show line dog that I have been quite successful with in AKC obedience and tracking. Jackson has earned his CDX (Open) obedience title, and his TD (Tracking) title. Jackson is trained through the UD (Utility) level of obedience, and we will hopefully trial for that title in the future. Jackson was a great transition dog for me as he has moderate drives, but not the temperament needed for Schutzhund. During my training journey with Jackson, I attended a few Schutzhund trials, and became immediately impressed with the work ethics of the dogs I watched. I did trial Jackson for a BH title, which he earned.

Dante vom Wildhaus joined my pack in October of 2005. I purchased Dante from a “working line” breeder in Michigan and we began our endeavor in the sport of Schutzhund. Dante has a lot of drive, and a great desire to work with me above anything I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Dante’s been an excellent dog for a novice Schutzhund handler as we continue to move forward despite my lack of knowledge in the sport, and the mistakes I have made along the way. Our relationship has just begun, and I look so forward to continuing down this path with him. Reaching the goals one sets out to achieve is nice, but what has always been so very important and rewarding to me personally is the journey to get there. Dante earned is BH title at 15 months of age in November 2006, and earned his SchH 1 title in October, 2007.