When Tug and I were certified as a Therapy Dog team last August little did I know it would result in an AKC title. Tug enjoys meeting people on our walks so I volunteer as a Therapy Dog team to do that in a more meaningful way. It has been an extremely rewarding experience. The title is “icing on the cake”.
We volunteer at the VA Hospital, VA Clinic, VNSNY Haven (in-patient care at Bellevue Hospital), and the Village Adult Day Health Center.
Tug (Tolouse Biscay’s Sapphire THD) is the first Barbet to …

Congratulations to Roni Kunstler and Ziggy on successfully completing the Canine Good Behavior test.  He walked nicely on a leash, did a sit and a down.  To pass the exam Ziggy did a “sit-stay” from 20 feet, Roni returned to him and backed up 10 feet for the recall.  When called Ziggy went to Roni and then finished by sitting next to her.  While sitting another participant approached and petted him as he sat.  Ziggy did a good job demonstrating the CGB skills.
One tip Roni wanted to share when taking …

 
Joseph Ferrara and Hudson recently completed their initial obedience class.  Joe is planning to move on to the next step in obedience.  Well done!

The Barbet Fanciers Club of America and the Barbet Fanciers Association of Ontario co-sponsored a ring at the Two Day Sporting Dog Seminars June 25 & 26 in Metamora, MI. We met with AKC and CKC judges to introduce them to the Barbet. We went over the breed standard, demonstrated movement, and discussed the breed status in the USA. The judges asked questions and provided feedback. It was an educational weekend for all.
The event was held at the Hunters Creek Club with beautiful ponds and ample field space.  Each breed …

During the month of May, Finley and I attended a weekend seminar on Tracking. Our guest trainer for the event was Mike Clemens, an AKC Tracking Judge. Mike has been Tracking German Shepherds since the 1980’s and is author of “Tracking…From the Flag to the Glove”.
The weekend could not have been more perfect for canine nor worse for human. The torrential downpours made the terrain at Joseph Davis Park in Lewiston, NY, on the border of Canada, a quagmire. The dogs thoroughly enjoyed trudging through the …