I went to watch the Pacific NorthWest Regionals this weekend, hosted by Willamette Valley Schutzhud Club.

Judge was Raino Flugge.

I only remember one of the helper's names, sorry other guy, but both did a very nice job. Especially helper Jeff Howard and his timely interception of a dog that apparently had some "issues" with the judge and decided to take them up with Mr. Flugge personally in the courage test. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Jeff handled it, no problem, with some quick sidestepping and alertness.

Overall it was a nice competition, but I have to say that judging in the protection phase was a little soft. One female GSD in particular was rated "pronounced" and had some real problems in the routine. After missing some blinds, the bitch rounded #6 and looked lost. The dog scanned almost constantly for the handler and had broken barking without any pronounced focus on the helper. The judge even mentioned these problems in the critique, but awarded a P?

In no way am I slighting this handler or the dog. They had obviously put in a lot of hard work and the other phases were good. It was also a younger bitch. I enjoyed their performance and appreciated their hard work. But that doesn't mean that judging should be weak.

I was a little disappointed and there was a little chit chat among others in the stands as well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Is this the norm at other Regionals? I had hoped for a little tougher judging.

Overall a fun experience. Also got to talk to a few board members in person, always interesting.

(thanks Alan for BSin a bit, I went alone and didn't know anybody. Nice Mushhead, BTW.

This seems to be the norm of late in alot of trials. While alot of judges will obeserve and comment on the problems, the dogs still pass, ann not just by getting by. I have seen this a number of times in club trials.

So, who were the top dogs and handlers? I wanted to go, but was unable to. Do they have a webpage where they posted the results?

Lela

Raino Flügge talked to the club about the judging. He said that because it was step above a club trial he was going to be easier on the compitors. If it was bigger tourny he said his pencil can get very sharp. He didn't V anyone so I don't think he was too kind.

As far as talking from the crowd, Raino mentioned that during his seminar/training and said that you need to train dog for distraction, and he really didn't care how much noise was being made.

Heres the website:

http://www.willamettevalleyschutzhundclub.com

Enjoy,
Robert

Noise didn't bother me and was par for the course at a trail that expects visitors like a Regional event does.

The chit chat I mentioned were comments being made about the same issue I had an opinion on, and that was a pronounced rating given to one of the bitches. Not a big deal, but I wanted to clear that up. I wasn't talking about the noise the crowd was making.

Wizmo. . .get it right! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />