Class of 2001 

Trial Helper Certification Seminar
Hosted By:  BCSC
Article written by Annie Weathers

Well guys, Clay Meadows, Midwest KG OFS, has graduated another class of excellent trial helpers via certification seminar.  The Blues City Schutzhund Club (BCSC) hosted the event during the weekend of October 26th in Millington Tennessee.  It has become apparent the quality of trial helper work throughout LV America is congruent from one trial to the next.

The first day of the seminar was was structured with intense classroom study, which covered trial rules and helper performance.  The call not only consisted of trial helper applicants but also included monitors, handlers, and every once in awhile a wife or two.  Clay did an outstanding job with his presentations while maintaining a balance with group participation.  I know that a number of them must have uttered in their sleep, "Surprise Attack On Handler . . . Schutzhund I . . . catch . . . drive . . . four steps . . . stick hit . . . four more steps . . . another stick hit . . . four additional steps . . . stop . . . lockup".  The day concluded with the class collectively going through the "Practical" covering stance in the blind, proper sleeve presentation, etc.  Of course, dogs were not inclusive at this juncture. 

The second day began with a short review of previously covered material.  The class was then divided into two groups.  Clay went over all of the routines from Schutzhund I through Schutzhund III with each applicant while Luke Weathers, BCSC TD, assisted congruently with the second group.

Third day, final phase . . . now it was on!  Les Flores, LV America OFS, took the reins and administered the written test.  It is worth mentioning that brawn is not the only aspect of being a certified helper.  An applicant has to pass the written test before advancing to the next phase of certification. 

The officiating officers graded the test and everyone passed.  Now it was time for Les to put the guys through the paces.  It was a pleasure to watch Les officiate.  He kept them at ease which definitely relaxed a couple of the anxious.  He was very professional giving everyone positive constructive critiques to assist them in joining the ranks of the elite LV Trial Helpers.  

The scorebook of newly certified Trial Helpers reads as follows:

Upgrad to Level I 
Luke Weathers, Blues City Schutzhund Club

Level 3
Kip Geyer, Fort Wayne Working Dog Association
Jorgen Hagen, Spirit of St. Louis Schutzhund Club
Steve Miller, Spirit of St. Louis Schutzhund Club
Richard Pranger, Southern Indiana Schutzhund Club
John Randall, OK Metro Working Dog Group
Nick Reinhart, Tulsa Schutzhund Club
Brandon Thompson, Mid Tennessee Schutzhund Club
Richard Wheeler, Blues City Schutzhund Club

The BCSC presented Les and Clay with plagues of appreciation for the completion of an outstanding job.  In addition, recognition for support of this event goes out to the following for assisting the applicants as handler/dog teams with the Schutzhund I through the Schutzhund III routines. 

Kathy Arnold & Ufka Vom Karthago, IPO III, Blues City Schutzhund Club
Kip Geyer & Bara Cuda vd Solution, Fort Wayne Working Dog Association
John Randall & Cora V. Kraftwork, SchH I, Ok Metro Working Dog Group
Mike Rickman & Hocko, Tulsa Schutzhund Club
Janica Tansey & Quino V. Eisfeld, SchH III, Southern Indiana Schutzhund Club
Brandon Thompson & Udo, Mid Tennessee Schutzhund Club
Luke Weathers & Casko V. Lowenherz, SchH III, Blues City Schutzhund Club

Last but certainly not least, sincere thanks to the host hotel, The Admiralty Suites & Inn, for their excellent accommodations and competitive rates.  Although, the hotel management has a strict "No Dogs Allowed" policy, dogs are only allowed with events associated with our club. 

QUIDOS TO ALL!