Been coming and going around here for about 3 years now, and the knowledge I've gained here has been a major contributor to my success. Many thanks to Ed and the members of the board whose brains have been picked over the years. Decided to finally post a bio and some photos.

About me: I work in advertising for a living. I live in Dallas, TX and am president of DFW Working Dogs. I do a majority of the decoy work these days, and have been lucky to be taught by a very experienced helper and have had some high-level dogs to learn from. In a little over a year and a half since I first put on the sleeve, I've been lucky enough to do decoy work at the Regionals and just worked the USRC Nationals today. I hope to keep learning and advancing in those regards.

I have two dogs. My first, Cael, will be 4 this week. He's a long-hair, backyard bred GSD that I got when I didn't know anything but got extremely lucky with - OFA Good, and we just got our SchH3 a couple weeks ago. He's the one who led me to this site and got me started in this crazy "hobby." It's all his fault.

basic position

tracking

I also have a 10 month old female named Fly who is showing great promise.

Fly

pedigree

She's crazy. But in all the right ways.

That's it. Haven't been around as much lately, but wanted to finally take the time to properly introduce myself and my dogs. Thanks again to all of those who have helped me learn so much in the time I've been involved.

Chris Bettin

Good job Chris! Congrats on the SchIII. Best of luck with Fly!

Yes, CONGRATULATIONS!

I remember reading an old thread (from '03?) about Cael when I first joined this forum. He lifted his leg very young, right?

I have no idea why that stuck in my head...... or even if it's a correct memory.

Nice pictures and nice-looking dogs!

Yep - he's the one. Even after all those discussions (I went back and read some of the old posts, too...)I didn't start training with the club until he was @ 15 months old.

We've come a long way in just over 2.5 years, and I've loved every minute of it.

 Quote: chris bettin

Yep - he's the one. Even after all those discussions (I went back and read some of the old posts, too...)I didn't start training with the club until he was @ 15 months old.

We've come a long way in just over 2.5 years .....

You sure have!

I went back to old threads too when I thought about the early leg-lifting. I hadn't remembered the possible shyness (which he obviously got over!) at all -- just the early leg-lifting.

And most days I can't remember why I came from that room to this one........

Chris, congrats on your SchH III. Nice work.

And Connie, not to hijack this thread but.....just curious about the post on the early leg lifting...I tried to do a search & could not find it....just curious, 'cause I have a pup that has been lifting his leg since he was 9 weeks old ( he is now just a bit over 15 weeks old )& that surprized me 'cause I never head of it that early & wondered what was said in that old post. Can you pm me with the linc for the post if you can find it again. thanks.

 Quote: Anne Jones

.... And Connie, not to hijack this thread but.....just curious about the post on the early leg lifting...I tried to do a search & could not find it....

Done.