• National Level Helper
• Recipient of the Egon Vollrath Sportsmanship Award
• Member of Goldenstate Schutzhund Club – Riverside, CA
My attraction to dog sport dates back to 1990, when I began personal protection at Belmont’s Dog Training in Fontana, Ca. One day, the head trainer asked me to put on a sleeve, and it was at that moment that my helper work began.
Throughout the years, my fascination and focus has been with the behaviors that the Schutzhund program requires of its dogs. The cycle of drives (fight bite, prey, out) that the dog must go through in a trial is such an intricate process. As a helper, witnessing our trial dogs demonstrate the cycle of drives is a beautiful sight to the trained eye - and heart. I strongly feel that the effort of learning how to master these behaviors in our working dogs has allowed me to become a better helper over the years.
My accomplishments include being selected for helperwork in eight Nationals, three Regionals, Sieger Show, One International tournament and several club trials. Receiving the Egon Vollrath Sportsmanship award in the 2005 Nationals was a great honor and a highlight of my dog sport career.
On a personal level, I have attained a Sch3 (H.O.T.) and qualified for Nationals with my previous dog, Cenno. I enjoy assisting club members and guests with their pursuit of Sch3 titles. I’ve been awarded the opportunity to travel the country and witness top-level training first hand. With a focus on high-level training, my intent is to continue to learn and master the sport.
Memories
The 2005 Nationals had an open tryout, where over 21 helpers showed up to try out! I was selected as one of the final four helpers to perform.
Favorite Working Dog: Antar V. KieFern Tal
Owner: Gus Elfar
This is the most powerful dog that I’ve ever worked. Within the protection phase, Antar truly demonstrates the ideal picture of a schutzhund 3 working dog.
Favorite Show Dog: Ork Von Der Werther Munhle
Owner: Shaq
Ork proved to be the best show dog I’ve ever worked. He is a big, beautiful show dog that brings it like an excellent working dog.
The following quote (by Lance Collins) I find fitting not only to the sport of Schutzhund, but also to life in general:
”The points you are looking for at the end are the ones you missed in the beginning.
Most people can’t handle boredom .That means they can’t stay on one thing until they get good at it .And they wonder why they’re unhappy.
