I send a big thanks to Kent and Jody as well as Aaron and Inna for a wonderful weekend. It is always great getting to meet a bunch of dogs but the high point had to be getting to meet Kenny’s Schutzhund trainer, Ryan Roseboro (sp?) and watch him train all their Club dogs. Ryan is in great physical shape and has developed his own style of training. It is very interesting to see someone with a lot of experience think outside the box and develop his own technique. He has a unique way of building focus in the dog as well as drive, but central to his training is that it always be fun for the dog in order to develop the mindset he desires. The Club has some wonderful dogs including an Olde Boston Terrier and a rescued dog that looks like a Boerboel and works beautifully. Kenny’s and Aaron’s dogs worked nicely as did the LB young dogs. It was very interesting seeing Ryan start Chica, Peter and Sandra’s green dog. Ryan liked her very much. The Club members are very supportive, have real skills and are a very good group. Ryan is doing a good job with the dogs, but more important, he is creating good trainers who understand and communicate clearly with their dogs.

We had our LB Specialty only because of the kindness of the Rare Breed Club of South Western Ontario. Thanks to Erin, Roy and Peter. This was the best organized show I’ve been to.

Canada was a revelation. Most of us down here in the U.S. never give Canada a thought. Silly since you are our largest trading partner. I really liked the differences and the attitude of the people. Toronto was a vibrant, prosperous city and a major melting pot but without the tension of New York.

LB quality was very high. Aaron’s dog Billy was wonderful and one of my favorites, but after he got steam rolled by another dog he lost his spark. All other dogs I know would have been done for the day, but Billy hung in, just wasn’t happy. Nick’s beautiful red and white dog came up lame after working hard the day before the show and that was too bad too. All the dogs except Chica and Aaron’ Billy were progeny of Kent and Jody’s dogs and all of them looked good, with no big faults. Chica is a perfect young b###h with zero faults I could see. By the end of the afternoon she was tired and while gaiting went down, rolled completely over, got back on her feet and continued on like nothing had happened, to the amusement of all the spectators.

DL