Sophie is a United Companion Dog

This weekend Sophie and I participated in the UKC obedience trials put on by the Maple Leaf Kennel Club in Georgetown, Ontario.  We had a wonderful time and came away with a shiny new title.  It was the first time I had ever tried UKC obedience and not all of the exercises are the same as the CKC novice exercises.  For instance she had to do her recall over a high jump and there is an honor during which she had to do a long down in the ring at the same time as the working dog performed his heel on leash and figure eight exercises.  If you’re interested in reading more about the exercises at each class level the complete Obedience Rulebook can be found online here

Pending UKC confirmation Sophie can now add the letters UCD (for United Companion Dog) before her name.  In order to receive this title the dog has to earn three qualifying scores at three different UKC licenced trials.  Thank you to our judges Isobel Hutton and Laurie Soutar!  It was a great time and a wonderful opportunity to show off the breed’s versatility!

For more information about the United Kennel Club have a look around their website at www.ukcdogs.com

Sophie and I with Judge Laurie Soutar after earning our final qualifying leg.

Sophie Earns a New Title...Canine Good Neighbour!

On Saturday January 14^th, 2012 Sophie and I headed out to Richmond Hill to participate in the Canine Good Neighbour  (CGN) test that was being offered at 4 Paws Training .The CGN is a title that is offered by the Canadian Kennel Club to all dogs, mixed or purebred that successfully complete all 12 exercises in the evaluation.   It is designed to assess the relationship between the dog and handler and how they behave together in situations that mimic everyday life.  You can read more about this test here CGN Program - Exercise Description 

I highly recommend that all dog owners work towards mastering these 12 steps with their canine companions.  You and your dog will have fun together working towards these goals and in the process you’ll strengthen your bond with one another and set a good example for other pooches and owners in your community. 

Thanks to our evaluator, Lorraine Wilson at 4 Paws Training for helping us to feel comfortable the minute we walked through the door. She carefully went over all of the exercises with the participants making sure we understood what was required and her calm demeanor during the testing helped to put all of the participants at ease. 

Happily Sophie is now CH Neigenuveaux Fleur D’Northrock WC CGN*

*pending CKC confirmation

New Working Certificate Title

I am very happy to brag that Sophie earned her WC last night at the Mountain Valley Retriever Training Club test in Flamborough, Ontario. Sophie was the only Barbet running and I was so pleased that she did so well. A lot of people were curious about her as it was the first time many of them had seen a Barbet let alone watched one run. She did a great job and brought back all the birds!

I have a lot of gratitude for all the people who have helped us to get this title.  Susie Bell is a great trainer and she really got us off to a great start.  A huge thank you to Sue Kish for everything she did to bring out the best in Sophie and get her ready to run.  Sue you are an amazing trainer!  There is no way we could have achieved so much so soon with out you.  And of course to everyone who threw birds and bumpers, quacked duck calls and fired off starter pistols - thank you too!    

Thanks again to Florence Erwin (Sophie's breeder) for providing me with such a wonderful girl. Sophie is now the 1st Barbet in Ontario to earn a WC, the 2nd Barbet in Canada, the youngest so far and the 1st Canadian bred Barbet to add the letters WC after her name! Yippeeeeeeee!

New Champion

Well it is with much joy that I announce that this weekend at the Norfolk Kennel and Obedience Club dog show in Simcoe Ontario, Sophie completed the requirements for her Canadian Championship.  She finished under Judge Mr. A. Ewles.  She can now put the letters CH in front of her name. Yipeeeeeeeeeeee.

I am very thankful to her breeder Florence Erwin http://www.neigenuveaux.com/start.htm  for entrusting her to me.  I love this little girl so very much.