Royal City Schutzhund & Dogsporting Association 2004 Spring Trial!
by Michelle Testa
It was a nice Friday evening for a 2-hour drive. My first trip to Dulles Airport was actually my first trip anywhere from my new home in Palmyra, VA. I was on my way to pick up DVG Director of Judges Hartmut Beckman for the spring trial of the Royal City Schutzhund and Dogsporting Association being held in Palmyra at Schutzhund Village. I explained to Mr. Beckman as we drove, "It's a bit of a ride in the night, but wait till you see in the morning what a place this is!"
For those of you who have never been to Schutzhund Village located on Newstead Farm, I have to say you need to visit!! With over 500 acres the farm is base to trainer Armin Winkler, and has a superior training area, rolling fields for tracking, a river in which dogs and people can swim, beautiful trails to hike, and, most important, a wonderful group of people who just love to train.
I pulled into the driveway of the Guest House at about 10:40 pm. After getting him settled, the club served Hartmut a late dinner while he and Armin went over the scheduling for the trial on Saturday. Sitting at the table with him for a bit after dinner, it was easy to see that Hartmut would be enjoyable and easy for the competitors to be around. I also knew from my own past experience he would judge the dogs as he saw them fair, and by the book.
The handlers meeting went well and trial nerves were showing a bit as tracking began at 7am. We expected it to get hot, so it was "early to rise" and we had only 3 tracks to run. With a sharp eye and pencil in hand Judge Beckman said good morning, smiled, and began the day. Ron and his GSD Arnot drew the first track. Getting off to a slow start and with super handling by Ron, "Arnot" got back his concentration, steadily executed, and finished his first VPG3 track.
Next up was Kathy with her Dobe "Riot." "Riot" came off the scent pad with a confident
pace that he held through out his entire track. We had a super view of these two from the
fence as we all watched the team finish up strong.
Our last track of the morning was Steve and his GSD "Izra." Steve showed nice handling skills as "Izra" tracked her way through her first VPG 2 track. A super start to the day for our Schutzhund competitors, it was back to the guest house for some coffee and a bite to eat.
Around 9am everyone headed down to the trial field for the obedience/ BH phase. The sky was clear blue, the sun was gaining strength, and the temperature was rising quickly. We had the heat of the day quite early this morning so Judge Beckman started as soon as he could.
With a little help from Chuck Lerner and his Mal, "Alonzo," and Ron Sensenbach with his GSD, "Gorbi,"
volunteering to even up the pairing for the BH and VPG entries we got ourselves situated to watch. The
first pair of BH entries came onto the field, Brendan Smith with his Rotti "Hunter" and Keith Jenkins with
"Eli" (a Rotti also).
Both teams had a rough start. They did their best, but it just wasn't enough for either team to advance to the traffic portion of the BH. Judge Beckman was a stickler for control and with strong encouragement to both teams he explained in detail its importance and that with more work both Brendan and Keith will see better results with their dogs on the trial field another time.
Next up were Chip Blasiole and his GSD, "Mojo," pairing up with one of our volunteer teams,
Chuck and "Alonzo." Chip and "Mojo" completed a passing performance in obedience moving
them forward to the traffic portion of the BH, which they completed later in the day and earned their title!!
The temperature was rising and even the spectators were feeling the heat as the VPG dogs entered the field. Ron with "Arnot" and Steve with "Izra" lead off with obedience performances that saw some errors thus costing them points. Hartmut during the critiques of both teams praised them on their hard work then supportively went over each routine carefully pointing things out and making suggestions for improvements. He was very helpful to them and to all of us on the sidelines as well. I think everyone there learned something new.
It was becoming unbearable in the sun when Kathy and "Riot" (with volunteer team
Ron S and "Gorbi") finished up the morning. We watched holding our breath as Kathy and "Riot" smoothly
executed the first half of the routine (one of their best so far), but as they headed to the retrieve
exercises it was clear the heat was gaining over the dog as "Riot's" enthusiasm began to waver causing
him to slow his pace. Judge Beckman complimented Kathy on her handling making mention on how put together
the team was even though points were lost it was still quite a nice performance overall.
Calling it a morning, and with everyone sweating, we decided to do the 3rd phase of the trial in the evening so the temperature would be more suitable for the dogs. Off we went for lunch, a little socializing, and, for some of the competitors and guests, a nap.
Once the sun was behind the trees and the heat subsided we made our way back to the trial field for protection. Armin Winkler and Dave Hooper suited up and took their positions. Dave worked the front half routine and Armin handled the back half. The third phase was under way as Steve and "Izra" headed up the centerline to start evening off.
The helper work from Armin and Dave was correct, consistent, and,
most important, safe. With intense work from both helpers each dog's courage
and training was put to the test. All of the dogs came out showing strong character
and power through out their routines and we were all very proud of their performances! A super day for all!!
Saturday evening everyone gathered at the guesthouse for the judge's dinner. Armin's awesome BBQ ribs and steaks were on the grill!! We all relished the wonderful food as well as each other's company, which Judge Beckman found quite enjoyable. There was a speech from Hartmut at the dinner table about the camaraderie at Schutzhund Village that made us feel we have something very special here!!
The evening finished with awards being handed out by Armin as he praised each and every competitor. Armin and Ron handed out the final award of the evening. Kathy Males and "Riot" not only won High in Trial, but they received the Schutzhund Village Perpetual Trophy. A trophy created in the memory of VA Lars von Wilhendorf SchH3 FH (owned and handled by Ron Harris) that is awarded to the highest handler owned, trained team at each trial hosted at Schutzhund village.
A huge congrats to all who competed this weekend!!!!
Thank you Hartmut Beckman for coming to judge this trial and spend time with us!! Thank you Armin Winkler for all your incredible support and hard work, and thank you Dave Hooper for your skilled helper work.
| Dog | Handler | Title |
| Mojo von Willowind | Chip Blasiole | BH |
| Izra von Willowind | Steve Webb | SchH II |
| Arnot vom Tiefen Teich | Ron Harris | SchH III |
| Ehriot vom Dragonerreich | Kathy Males | IPO III |