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Club History2009Big Sky SchH Club won the General Education Committee's Pacific Northwest Region 2009 Regional Director's Award, which was accompanied by a cheque for $250! WooHoo! Seminar with Michael Ellis*****Add photo gallery USA Judge Warren Jones -- They actually made him a JUDGE???Well, yes, in fact, they did. After a process that started with conversations with the club in the late ‘90’s, some strong support from Glenn Stephenson and Nathaniel Roque, and finally a kick in the @55 by my loving wife, I completed 2 unofficial walkthroughs, two “official” walkthroughs, seven apprenticeships, and a written test. I passed all of these things, some by a larger or more comfortable margin than others, and on April 15 received confirmation that the Judges’ Committee of USA has granted me a probationary license as a USA Performance Judge. It’s called probationary, I guess, because it stays that way until 3 years or 30 trials, whichever comes first. I’m shooting for the 3-year milestone; I don’t think I can do 10 trials a year. Highlights of the process? First and foremost were my teachers – starting with Dirk Stocks, Bill Szentmiklosi, and Jim Elder, with whom I did walkthroughs in 2006, then the actual “teaching judges” with whom I did apprenticeships: Franz Dörr (a teacher from more than 20 years back who, with Jim Elder’s help, had to figure out how we did the paperwork electronically), Glenn Stephenson (a dear friend and mentor who treated me like royalty when it should have been the other way round), Bill Szentmiklosi (who shared some great insights and ways of observing and rating the performance), Nathaniel Roque (who let me THINK I was running the trial, but kept it all on course), Mike Caputo (who further refined my understanding of ratings as the guide, plus proved a great companion), Willie Pope (a friend and mentor for more than 20 years, who further dialed in my observations) and Director of Judges Mark Przybylski, a long time supporter, and who remained so even while laughing his tail off at my paperwork flying off across the fields of Kansas with half of Tornado Alley Schutzhund Club in pursuit (thanks again, guys!). So now I’ve satisfied my teachers and mentors that I’m ready. My first trial looks to be in May at Placer County SchH Club, an established club with world-class members. I am looking forward to some great dogs and good times. Wish me luck!! W.Jones, April 2009 Trial with USA Craig GrohWe had originally scheduled Willie Pope to judge our August trial, but he got the opportunity to go to Germany and train and work with Heinz Balonier and Elmar Mannes. We were very fortunate to get Craig Groh to substitute for us, and are looking forward to having him up in Montana. Craig has a relaxed and approachable style and it's just about time we had him up to show him a Montana good time. We'll be offering the usual BH, SchH/IPO/VPG 1,2,and 3 and FH, plus we'll try and do some WH's for fun on Sunday. No prior title necessary — check out the rulebook & email Warren with questions. Tracking will be on ploughed soil of good quality and the B&C portions (and the WHs) will be at the club field. Hope to see you!
Zappa du Loups du SoleilWarren got a new puppy! Zappa is from Pi x Fauxtois, and is a half brother to Harley (who does his best to not acknowledge the puppy's existence!) *****To go to Zappa's page for pedigree and more pictures, click here. Ahzi du Loups du SoleilAnd Anne got a new puppy as well! Ahzi is from Pi x Lariena, and promises to be an outstanding working dog. *****Add Ahzi page. |