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| A Clumber Spaniel demonstrates a blind retrieve. |
Tug shows us how versatile the Barbet is as a balanced city dog who is still a gun dog at heart. We routinely give him opportunities to swim, socialize, and get-back-to-nature. We feel that nurturing the sporting dog in him is important for and contributes to his balanced temperament.
We spent the weekend at the Two-Day Sporting Breeds Seminars in Metamora, MI. It was a really fun weekend -- friends, dogs, camping ... ! It was great to see Tug's instincts kick in when the shot guns fired.
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| Tug waits for the guns shot. |
We represented the
Barbet Fanciers Club of America and met up with friends from the
Barbet Fanciers Association of Ontario for the judge education seminars. We spoke with AKC and CKC judges about the Barbet. It was educational for us as well.
The highlights for Tug were the water demos and sleeping in the tent. Tug's lack of technique for the retrieves was made up for by instinct. When he heard the shot gun he was focused and looking for his mark. It was really nice that they allowed our inexperienced dog to participate. His other favorite part was sleeping with my son and I in our little 2-man tent. For a dog that is not allowed on the furniture it was a rare opportunity to snuggle at night.
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| Tug retrieves a bumper in Metamora, MI. |
I left Michigan inspired and wanting to train Tug (and Shea). It was clear that Tug loved the "work". Now I need to do my homework (again) to find a trainer.
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| Tug gives it a good shake. |
