KG Korner page 3

HELPER SEMINAR / CERTIFICATION WEEKEND With LV and SEKG OfS, Randy Theen.

at TOP DAWG SCHUTZHUND CLUB

Okay, so maybe not the typical Mother's Day, but one version of it that most Schutzhund enthusiasts would understand perfectly.

May 12th and 13th, 2007 finds a group of us at the Top Dawg Schutzhund Club in Plant City, Florida for a helper seminar and certification weekend. The temperatures were high, the haze was thick from smoke and the humidity was up. Florida had just seen the formation of a *subtropical* system they named Andrea off the Atlantic coast and it didn't help the wild fire situation any. Not the best weekend for being outside, but these fine helpers did a terrific job despite the conditions.

A small turn out turned out to be a favorable situation for both the spectators and helpers as they received a much more intensive training session. These guys were no greenhorns needing instruction manuals, they were experienced helpers wanting to stay fresh and on top of their game.

From South Florida Schutzhund Club, Charlie Purdham came up to make sure he was ready and up to date on any last minute rule changes, you see, Charlie is on his way to Toronto next month. The DVG America Championship will have him there to provide the helper work for the VPG 1's and 2's. From Gulfcoast Schutzhund Club was Jason Christy and David Cobb is Top Dawg's own.

These three helpers worked Saturday under the watchful eye of LV and SEKG OfS, Randy Theen, with everyone helping one another. There were some seasoned veteran dogs to work on as well as plenty of green dogs and handlers happy to take advantage of the high class of helpers available. (Editors note: Being one of the *green handlers* mentioned, I loved having multiple helpers of that caliper available for my dog!)

A break for lunch and to cool off, and of course, friends talking about (what else?), dogs, and then it was back to the training.

After a long and hot day, everyone headed out, tired but happy for home or hotel for the night. After all, we get to do it again tomorrow!

Sunday morning the weather conditions weren't much better. Still hot, damp and hazy from the wild fire smoke. The certifications were finally finished, before anyone melted from the heat. Randy made a point of thanking the members who were willing to provide dogs for the helpers, as none of this is possible without dogs. I want to thank Randy for his critiques which I find invaluable for me as a handler, to know what I want to see in a helper. I want to thank Top Dawg and its members for giving us the opportunity to have a great time doing the sport we all love so much. And finally, thanks to the helpers, who sweat, bleed and work so hard for us all.

By Shelly Timmerman

Charlie Purdham, Jason Christy, David Cobb and LV OfS, Randy Theen.