AKC National Tracking Invitational
September 20th and 21st, 2003 - Asheville, NC
Phyllis Dorrough and Ed Presnall - CT Wildfire Smoking Gun NA NAJ (Border Collie)

Comments from the Judges
Mr. John F. Barnard of Lombard, IL and Ms. Joyce Klamut of Dover, OH

"This dog had a strong start and was motivated throughout the track. The dog encountered some difficulty crossing the bridge and had to work out some scenting problems. After successfully tracking across the bridge, the river appeared to be influencing the scent picture. However, the dog was able to work out the problems and executed the last turn. The handler remained calm and demonstrated team effort as the dog encountered traffic, crossed the road and successfully completed the track." Video Clips: Click on image for caption and larger view.
       

More information on Phyllis Dorrough and Ed Presnall

Phyllis Dorrough has been hooked on dogs for more than 35 years. As a child she began training her dog, a Beagle, in obedience using a book as guidance. From those early experiences she has grown to become a successful competitor in many AKC sports. She has been involved in tracking for over 10 years and currently co-owns one of the top 10 tracking dogs in the country, CT Wildfire Smoking Gun NA, NAJ "Dillon," a Border Collie.

Dillon was a natural at tracking proving his talents on his very first outing. After only nine weeks of training and fieldwork, Dillon earned his Tracking Dog (TD) title. He moved quickly through the tests and earned his Tracking Dog Excellent with ease, demonstrating that this Border Collie had a special affinity for following scent. Not only did Dillon pass the Variable Surface Tracking test but he passed it twice. Dillon is Phyllis' first Champion Tracker.

Phyllis has been involved with competitive companion events since 1975. Her first of many titled dogs was a Dalmatian that earned a Companion Dog (CD) obedience title. Phyllis has gone on to work with and train dogs in such diversified breeds as Irish Wolfhound, Manchester Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog, Toy Poodle, Parson Russell Terrier, German Shepherd Dog, Dalmatian and, of course, Border Collie. With these dogs she has earned titles in obedience, agility, conformation, and tracking. Since 1989 she has earned multiple titles on her dogs in agility.

Phyllis discovered the sport of tracking in 1992, while working with her Shetland Sheepdog. A few years later she met Ed Presnall, an avid tracking enthusiast, who later became the co-owner of Dillon. Ed and Phyllis both worked with Dillon on tracking training. Dillon is a versatile dog, enjoying agility, obedience and flyball activities, but Phyllis claims Dillon lives to track.

Phyllis continues her activities with her Dalmatian, Irish Terrier, Manchester Terrier, and Border Collie in the many competitive events they enjoy. Their ability to achieve titles in so many sports proves the strong bond Phyllis has with her canine companions. She looks forward to showcasing Dillon's tracking talents at the National Tracking Invitational. Phyllis resides in Friendswood, Texas.

Ed Presnall is an accomplished author, trainer and tracking judge who spends the majority of his time teaching, training and writing about dogs. He and his dogs have earned numerous titles in conformation, obedience, agility and tracking. As a multiple award winning member of the Dog Writers Association of America, his articles and stories are published in many dog-related magazines, newsletters and web sites. He is the co-owner of CT Wildfire Smoking Gun NA, NAJ.

Recognized as one of the leading trainers in the sport of tracking, Ed has earned Various Surface Tracker (VST) titles with his English Springer Spaniel, Clumber Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, and Border Collie. He has also trained several handlers in tracking, helping them to earn VST titles with their canine companions. Ed has appeared on television shows with his dogs and has participated in the past AKC tracking exhibition with his Field Spaniel "Race."

Ed is the author of four best-selling books, three on the sport of tracking. His works have defined some of the aspects of the current tracking test standards and methods. He has won awards for his published pieces and has penned a series of children's books on pet ownership and responsibility.