the Competitive Canine of the Carolinas

I wrote this article back in 2016 or 2017. I thought I would share it again

My 6-year-old Golden Retriever Tripp often joins me at my real estate office. This morning he had a special treat when a client of mine walked in the door. Denise is not just a client but also a dog-training friend, and judging from his reaction, Tripp also counts her as his beloved friend. Denise and I have  known each other for years as we have attended classes and dog shows together. Seeing how overjoyed Tripp was to see her made me think how dog showing has enriched my life.

I started training and showing dogs well over 20 years ago when I got my first Golden Retriever, Taylor. She thought that she was a sled dog and walking her was impossible, so I took her to a class at Companion Dog Training School and was instantly hooked. We went from nightmare walks around the neighborhood to earning a novice obedience title with nice scores and flashy heeling. Because of Taylor, I have a circle of friends I am grateful for daily. Tucker was my next companion (there have been seven so far). He took me to dog shows in places like Gettysburg, where I explored the civil war battlefields and St Louis where I rode to the top of the Arch. At every dog show we attended, I met other dog show enthusiasts from all across the country, many of whom became long-lasting friends. Each dog I have had the pleasure to share my life with has opened up my circle of friends more. It’s not uncommon to receive a phone call from Susan in New Jersey, who is on a long drive and wants to chat about her training challenges with her new pup. Or maybe Peggy is calling to tell me about her latest Barn Hunt experience. After meeting with Denise to discuss business this morning, we watched videos of her Goldens latest agility run. My friends come from all walks of life, but we have one common denominator – our love of dogs.

I had lunch with a group of dog-training friends the other day. We were celebrating our friend Carolyn’s 80^th birthday. Carolyn said she had decided to give up agility as she can no longer keep up with her Italian Greyhound. She plans to concentrate on obedience instead. I want to be her when I grow up. It wasn’t that long ago that two of our friends took time off of work, rented a van, and drove Carolyn and her dog to St Louis to attend the Italian Greyhound National Specialty, where they earned top honors in obedience. I recently read that people who age the best are the people who have good, strong social circles and relationships. Dog sports have certainly provided this for Carolyn and many of us in the dog world.

What do the dogs get out of all of this? FUN! Lots and lots of fun! My Truly about burst out of her skin when I pick up a tracking harness. She LOVES finding things and following a scent trail. Tyler thinks that obedience class is the best place on earth. She is overjoyed to see her canine and human friends each week and play our obedience games. Our dogs love this social interaction as much as we do, and like us, their lives are also enriched.

Have you tried a dog sport? (Of course you did if you found this magazine!) There are many to choose from. Obedience, Agility, Lure Coursing, Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, Nose Work…… the list is growing daily. There is something there for everyone, and I guarantee your dog will take you places and introduce you to people. They will widen your circle of friends, and you will be forever grateful. These dogs of ours can bring magic into our lives. I am very thankful to all of my dogs for widening that circle of friends a bit more and giving me memories that I will cherish forever.     

-Susan Young, Editor/Publisher of the CCofC