Nov 22 SDA tracking trial

[umzilla]

November 22 brought the second SDA tracking trial, again in Rockford, IL. Despite the cold windy weather, diehard trackers braved the elements and showed up to attempt their titles!

First up were Laurel Stone and GSD Brita von der Alte Baum, who showed excellent fashion sense as it was deer shotgun weekend - although we weren't near any hunting areas, but it doesn't hurt to be careful! Brita is a therapy dog that also has her BH, RH, WH, AD, RA, HIC, CGC, and T1....at 2 years old! Brita's main goal is actually PSA, but this youngster can do it all. She started strong but on the fourth leg had some hard surface difficulties and wasn't able to recover. It was a valiant effort, especially given her age. The SDA T2 track is 1200 paces long and must have obstacles and changes of cover. Note the frozen pond in the background









Next T2 was drawn by Margo Tsim and her veteran tracking dog Kai, BH, CDX, TR3, T1. Kai mastered his track, flowing effortlessly through some very rapid changes of cover and eventually settling down into some shorter grass - with heavy wind. He worked well, and pulled hard to the final article, a leather baby shoe that blended in perfectly with the grass.













The rest of the day was spent on Tracking 1s (T1s) - same length and structure as a SchH1 track, but judged differently. First track went to kathleen Sanderson and her young Rottweiler Mikka von Brukroft, NAP, NJP, CGC, NJ-R, NJ-N - lots of agility titles on this Schutzhund dog! Mikka had the first T1 pass of the day.



Next up were Trish Campbell and SG Harley vom Triton, BH, AD, RN, HIC, CGC, Harley (still with pups at home) showed that moms can work!



The next T1 pass went to teri Szarzak and Malachi vom Kraftwerk. Malachi is training for Schutzhund and is 2 years old. He gave a convincing performance on the track.



The next T1 pass went to the youngest team in the trial - Megan was the youngest handler (still in college) and Savannah was the youngest dog at just 14 months old. Nice team work! Savannah has her CGC and part of her RN completed. She is also AKC track certified.



The final pass of the day went to Kathleen Sanderson again, this time with her Rottweiler Sentra's Learned Hand, aka "Carter". Carter is 4 years old, and very active in agility and Schutzhund, with a BH, VCD1, TD, CD, AXJ, AX, AJP, OF, NJ-R, NJ-N, JJ-N, and CGC to his credit.



Here is a group shot at the end of the day, minus Trish, who had to leave a bit earlier. Yes, it was chilly! Thanks to all who came out!!!!!!

[Betty]

Looks like a great day was had by all!

[Kayos and Havoc]

What a great day on track!

[TRITON]

It was very fun! Everyone and their dogs did super. Thanks for posting the pics Christine. What a great variety of dogs that competed too..so many titles in so many different venues