I would like to thank the helper committee and Schutzhund USA for this opportunity. I am originally from southern Mississippi, but now reside in Connecticut. I was first introduced to the sport by my father in 1991. But it wasn’t until 2003, when I joined Merrimack Working Dog Club, that I became serious about helperwork and training in general. As of last year, I have started a new club, Quinebaug Schutzhund Club in Pomfret , Connecticut. My other passion besides helperwork is breeding, and with my girlfriend (Ivana) we have a working German Shepherd kennel named vom Rebel Yelle.
Over the past five years, I have titled four dogs. Two H.O.T. dogs to Sch3 and the nationals, and the other two dogs to Sch2 (one of which being H.O.T. also). I have also Breed Surveyed two them (one Kkl 1 and one Kkl2). I have had the chance to handle a female for the bitework, and handle a male in the working class at the 2006 Sieger Show in Danbury, Connecticut.
As for my helperwork, I have done 26 trials so far. I have been selected for the past five Regional Championships for the New England Region, the IPO 2’s at the 2009 AWDF Championships, as well as the back half of the Sch3’s at the 2008 North American Championships. I would like to say thanks to the many handler and dog teams I have had the privilege to work with as they pursue their Schutzhund goals.
Last, I would like to wish good luck to all competitors.
Yours in Sport,
Don Yelle
