SOUTH FLORIDA SCHUTZHUND CLUB HOSTS 2008 DVG HELPER SEMINAR & CERTIFICATION

By Jacki and Charlie Purdham

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South Florida Schutzhund Club hosted this year’s first Helper Seminar & Certification in the SEKG, this past 23rd and 24th of January. Despite scheduling conflicts, the increasingly high price of gas and the seasonal high prices of hotels in Miami, a tremendous response across the southeast occurred.

The time has finally come with people, dogs, and vehicles beginning to consume the field at SFSC, it is Saturday Jan. 23, 08. Record breaking high temperatures are expected for today and tomorrow reaching into the 90’s. The weather does not discourage participation as 18 helpers, numerous handlers, dogs and spectators are on hand. A special thank-you to all of you who participate, support, cook lunch, set-up the field for us and to all the handlers that trust us with your dogs to train and certify this enormous group of helpers.

The day started with registration, coffee and doughnuts, and a brief introduction by our LV OFS Randy Theen. Assisting Randy for the Seminar are Phil Hoelcher, Steve Gregalunas, Noel Coward, Allen Brooks & Charlie Purdham. Participants come from as far away as TN, GA, D.C., VA, MD, and all across the state of Florida. After a brief discussion of the rules, expectations for the weekend & questions and answers, it is time to pants-up and take the field.

The immediate impact of this team is felt with the various different entities working together as if this has been choreographed. Randy is the field General giving direction, instruction, and orders, with the utmost professionalism and with great respect to his staff, helpers and handlers. We proceed to teach and learn the various parts of the routines with heavy emphasis on techniques. All the helpers are given many chances to run the various different exercises and receive one-on-one, personal training throughout the day.

Just before everyone dropped from exhaustion, it is time for lunch and a well deserved break. Did I mention that it was hot!? Cases of water, Gatorade and the like are consumed and it is only lunch. SFSC put together a BBQ featuring Brats, hamburgers, chicken, salads and desserts. We almost ran out of food as it was soooo good and there were some big appetites. Thanks again to all of you who cooked, cleaned-up, and kept us hydrated.

After lunch, Phil puts together a short discussion about training equipment as it pertains to protection. He displays and discusses everything from rags, to tugs, to pillows, to sleeves. Interesting was the evolution of these items, their uses and of course one of Phil’s famous stories. This one is about “how they didn’t have the sleeves we have today and using a piece of a VW tire wrapped around your arm with some sort of cloth over that for the dog to bite.” Needlessly to say it is quite entertaining and informative. The fellowship was priceless.

The afternoon is spent putting all those parts together in a “trial format.” Once again all participants receive ample opportunity to test and improve on their skills. Tomorrow will bring certification and everyone wants that last catch. It is deeply satisfying see how hard everyone is working and the way everyone progressed during the day. Job well done by all.

With tongues nearly touching the ground (the dogs), exhaustion and soaked clothing as a rule (everyone else), the seminar comes to a close for the day. A few brief words of encouragement and last minute instructions from Randy, and we adjourned.

Now, the fun began, with the SEKG Championship only a few weeks away, handlers who had held their competition dogs in reserve began to flood the field with their dogs. What a great training session that followed. Darkness fell across southern Florida and we decided we should clean-up, get something to eat, and get some rest for tomorrow.

Sunday the 24th and the weather man was right, blistering heat! A sense of excitement in the air as the field is being set-up for Certification. At a quick glance, the atmosphere is light yet anxious. The helpers are taking the written examination in hopes they are able to take the field. All participants pass and a drawing is held to establish the order as we have five helpers trying for their certification and two helpers going for upgrades.

It is with great pleasure and honor that I announce all five gentlemen; Alan Castillo, Kevin Rivera, Rod Davis, Matt Ford, & Chris Meverden, who did themselves proud earning their much deserved and hard earned Level 3 certification. I would also like to congratulate David Cobb on his upgrade to a Level 2 helper, and to Greg Naranjo for earning his much anticipated Level 1 certification. Great job guys! Here lies the future of the sport we love so much. Take the time to congratulate and support these helpers for all of their hard work, dedication and sacrifice for our sport.

A special Thank-You to Randy Theen and his family for their unselfish gift of his time, without which, this event wouldn’t have been possible. I would also like to include Phil, Steve, Noel, and Allen Brooks in this statement of appreciation.

Outsiders call us crazy sport enthusiasts and extremists, those of us in the sport, well, we call ourselves normal. This “Sport” has brought me many smiles, triumphs, friendships, and some disappointments to say the least. The journey is worth taking, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Vice President
Connie Johnson
813 986-4478
topdawgsch@aol.com


Secretary
Lisa Kiefer
239 963-8443
lisakiefer@comcast.net


Treasurer
Kim Cole
305 385-7240
kimmcole@bellsouth.net


OfS, Training Director
Randy Theen

RSTheen@bellsouth.net

KG Korner
11110 W HWY 318
REDDICK,FL 32686

352 591-0129

shellytimmerman@alltel.net