Luke Weathers was introduced to the Sport of Schutzhund in the early 1970's while competing in AKC Obedience and Confirmation Trials. He first joined the DVG in 1975 as a founding member of the Memphis Schutzhund Club. Under his leadership, the first sanctioned DVG Schutzhund Trial in Tennessee was held on July 11th, 1982.
When Germany first designated Kreisgruppes (Regions) in the United States, Tennessee was a member of the Southeast Kreisgruppe (KG). He submitted a
request to Germany that Tennessee be moved to the Southeast citing that the nearest club to Tennessee was in Missouri which was in the Midwest KG. This was only four hours travel time by car versus going to Florida which was about a twenty hour drive. Germany granted his request.
In 1995, he founded the Blues City Schutzhund Club based in Millington TN becoming the organization's President and Training Director. He became one of the United States first certified Trial Helpers before he titled his first dog in the sport. He recalls that he was one of a group of ten candidates from a nation wide selection whom all met in California for the three day certification. There are three Trial Helper Levels. Level 3 qualifies the helper to work dogs at local club trials. The Level 2 qualified the helper to work dogs at Regional Championship Trials and the Level 1 qualifies the helpers to work dogs at the National Championships. He retired as an active Trial Helper Level 1, the highest achievable status, in 2001.
Over the years, he has trained and competed with a number of his dogs receiving winner circle accolades. He currently holds the dhv Sport Bronze Medal and very close to qualifying for the Silver. Luke is so noted as an advent dog trainer in the Millington TN area that the local newspaper did a feature article on him.
In 2005, he was awarded the Midwest Kreisgruppe (MWKG) Sportsperson of the Year Award. This award is given by the MWKG to the person who has shown contributions to the Sport of Schutzhund and has demonstrated the promotion of good will and sportsmanship within the KG. Each MWKG Club votes on the nominees for this award. He also served the MWKG Membership with consecutive terms as the Vice President of the organization.
In 2007, he retired from the United States Postal Service as a Southeast Area Marketing Specialist and now devotes his time to training dogs and performing at various Memphis Night Spots, clubs in the surrounding area with his band. He was the musical director for the late Willie Hutch from 2002 until his death in 2005. Hutch was known as the "Mack" and wrote the musical score for the Motown movies Foxy Brown, The Mack, and Enter The Dragon. In addition, Hutch was known for writing the Jackson Five's biggest hit, I'll Be There and well as credits of his own live Love Power, What You Gonna Do After The Party, Sunshine Lady, Brothers Gonna Work It Out, etc.
Besides training dogs, Luke's hobbies include Archery, Scuba Diving, and water sports. He is alos a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus and participates in numerous charigy functions in his community. In addition, he is a volunteer with the Tipton County School System in Tennessee.
Sire: Andy Maly Vah, SchH III
