Obedience training was a solution to my dog's chewing on my furniture when I first went to classes in 1988. But it became a way of life. I have learned so much about my own dogs and others by attending classes for more than twenty years.

All those who purchase puppies from me are urged to obedience train for three reasons: (1) because an obedient dog is a happier dog, (2) because communication between handler and dog increase significantly during training, and (3) because ninety-seven per cent of the dogs in the pound have no obedience training.

When Siri and I began classes at Applewoods in Laurel MD, the owner, Margot Woods,encouraged me to enter competition when Siri knew her novice routine. I competed several times, never qualified, became frustrated and decided to quit competition (although I continued training). Some months later Margot asked me to steward at an obedience show, and I entered Siri because I was going to be there anyway. This time she earned high in trial for a rare breed. That experience changed my outlook.

Siri was the first Utility trained Chinook (although she never earned the title) and the first to achieve the titles of Companion Dog and Companion Dog Excellent. In those years before our breed was accepted by the United Kennel Club, she earned her "titles" by qualifying at matches (since she was not permitted to enter shows) and having judges sign the qualifying forms.

Dixieland Shageluk was my second obedience Chinook although his public performance was restricted by his fear of strangers. He earned his Companion Dog title in the first few years, the Companion Dog Excellent title at seven, and then we went for Utility. Once he knew the exercises well, I began showing. We trialed seventeen times before he qualified the FIRST time. Finally at nine, he earned the title of UKC Utility Dog. I retired him because he had worked SO hard and, while he loved the work, he was always frightened by the commotion at dog shows.

WoodsRunner Crossing Alyeska began her obedience training while Shageluk was only five. She was always working one level below him, so at shows I competed with two dogs in different events. Alyeska never enjoyed the work, although she did it willingly through her Companion Dog Excellent title. When she learned the Utility work, she made clear to me that she was displeased. So I retired her and turned my efforts toward my newest Chinook, ThunderCloud Karelia CGC.

Karelia was my first dog to earn a Companion Dog title in three straight shows, one single trial. The Donais family (now Granite Hill Chinooks) were kind enough to house me and attend those trials to cheer me on…and what a thrill. Companion Dog Excellent is much more difficult work, so we spent several years chasing the next title alternating with whelping puppies. In February of 2005 she earned it and learned the Utility work. However Alyeska died in 2007 and Karelia slid right into the role of “older retired dog,” making clear she was not going to work anymore (although she would run agility any time).

From Karelia’s second litter came Sabaka, my new challenge. She learned her early lessons well from Alyeska (for seven months) and her mom, and we jumped into obedience, qualifying the first time at three months of age and finishing her Companion Dog before she was two. Her next title is, we hope, immiment.

When my husband and I moved to Florida part-time, I trained with various people before finding Lisa Rieves of PaceDogs in Land O’ Lakes. I signed up for obedience lessons, but after one asked if I could switch to agility instead. Now in Sabaka’s formal lesson we work briefly on obedience, and then play agility for an hour—a treat for all of us.

Each of my dogs has “played” agility whenever we had the chance. Fidos For Freedom had a course in their building we could run once a week when we’d finished a course of lessons. Various other instructors have taught my multiple dogs, although I never considered competing in the sport; it’s been just for fun. I never met a Chinook that didn’t love agility.

For almost three decades now I have attended dog class one, two or three times a week. I was initially fascinated that the dogs responded almost every time I asked—they were so easy to train (particularly compared to children). I have remained captivated with training dogs because I thrive on the bond that develops between me and the dog during any form of teaching.

Below: Karelia jumping

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