Bob Kirkbride:
On August 6, 2005 a dream became a reality when Bob Kirkbride crossed the finish line with
his wonderful little Sheltie, Mic at the the Gig Harbor Agility Trial. To the chorus of cheers, tears and applause Bob hugged his newly crowned MACH Strathsprey Mic of Time.
Bob, a long time agility competitor with his first dog,
Chaz, a Standard Schnauzer, became a familiar figure in USDAA, NADAC and AKC trials. In fact, Chaz is still the only Standard Schnauzer to have earned a MAD in USDAA. Chaz’s age caught up with him before he could earn his MACH and Bob turned to fellow competitor, Barb Davis for new running companion. Barb offered him a young male from her breeding of Strathsprey Pizazz
(PJ) one of her hot agility dogs and Kjell’s Picasso (Pablo) a breed champion with a wonderful disposition and attitude.
The training of Mic was very different than dealing with the independent
Chaz. “The easiest part of training Mic was his eagerness to please, but sometimes that made it the hardest too.” Bob said. It took a bit to get the distance work and the contacts were a challenge, since Mic became so impatient with the stop at the bottom, but Bob put it together and even taking time out for shoulder surgery and back surgery, Mic earned his MACH in four years.
Bob is now starting another Barb Davis bred dog, Strathsprey Sapphire
Gemstar, a daughter of Barb’s World Team dog, Strathsprey Northern Lights (Shimmer). Star is another fast little Sheltie that is in a hurry to catch up with her big brother and put that big MACH in front of her name too.
Bob is an active member of the Chuckanut Dog Training Association and has long been a teacher in Obedience, Tracking and Agility.
An AKC Agility judge for about 10 years, Bob’s philosophy is to have fun and enjoy the sport, both for the dog and handler. He feels both should be happy to go in the ring, whether in class or in competition. He is always willing to lend a helping hand to beginners in the sport, with a kind word of encouragement, a good eye and a piece of helpful advice.
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ABBY AND
ANNIE (Kim's taking the picture!)
I
came to formal dog training out of necessity. After
having wonderful dogs my whole life, in 1998 I
got a very difficult puppy. Abby was
horrible in every way possible. She was the worst
puppy. After much soul searching I concluded that
I couldn't give her back to the breeder for fear that
she would be put down. Likewise, I couldn't pass
her off to someone else. I was afraid she'd end up
being abused or that she'd become aggressive. I
decided that it was up to me to learn how to reach her
and bring out the best in her. That was 11 years
ago. Today, Abby routinely steals people's hearts
with her sweet disposition and always present smiling
face. She is a delight, smart playful, silly and
kind. Abby's transformation didn't happen
overnight. It took a long time. I made lots of
mistakes, but I kept trying. I kept learning.
I also got hooked on how much fun it could be to train
dogs. My next dog, Annie, was much easier to train
now that I had a good foundation. I took my
teaching background and my sense of humor and began to
help others bring out the best in their dogs.
When
Rally Obedience became a titled event in AKC, the call
went out for instructors. I had some experience
with the sport and found that I loved teaching it.
I had done work with straight obedience in Ca. with
Abby, but now it was Annie's turn to shine as my demo
dog. We have coached more teams to Rally titles than I
can count. And I believe that every dog and handler had
a blast doing it. I know Annie and I had fun earning her
Obedience and Rally Obedience titles.
In
the last year or so, I branched out to teach Puppy
Kindergarten and Agile Obedience here at Hy Line.
I know first hand what it's like to be overwhelmed by
training a dog. I also know that it can be fun and
successful. It is a pleasure to help dogs and
handlers find their way.
I
can't imagine a life without dogs. While some dogs are
easier than others, they all deserve to have the chance
to be the best that they can be. That is my wish for all
of you, both 4 legged and 2 legged.
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