My name is Abbey Engler from New Palestine, IN and I am 11 years old. My adventure into AKC sports and events began when I was nine years old, and I received an early Christmas gift; a small, rescued puppy born under a dumpster in Tennessee. My dog Gracie Lou is mix of a Catahoula Leopard Dog and German Shorthair Pointer. In 4-H, I have learned about the dog projects available to participate in next year. I started at the lowest level in Showmanship and Obedience. Never owning a dog before and training a 6-month-old puppy in a livestock ring with many, many smells was far more challenging than I had ever expected. There were definitely a few tears and frustrations, since neither me nor my dog knew what we were doing. After that season was over, I learned of a place near me where I could take lessons and continue to train with my dog. I learned so much from the teachers and the other people taking the classes. Never thinking I could compete with my dog in anything but 4-H, my mom learned that mixed-breed dogs could obtain a Canine Partners number and I could get a Junior Handler number to compete in AKC companion events. This news was a game changer! I was so excited to know I could do more and compete with my dog!
Learning to handle and train my dog is my favorite activity. My dog’s issues with confidence were something that was really holding us back as a team. My class teachers referred us to a dog behaviorist/trainer who changed our whole experience. It is amazing how much the trainer was able to help Gracie and I learn to work together, develop confidence, and build a trusting connection. I have continued with Obedience, Rally, and Agility classes, while working with the trainer to prepare for competition.
Our first AKC trial was just one year ago. I chose a trial at the location where we took our classes for the home-court-advantage. Sadly, it did not help us in the ring. My dog’s lack of confidence rang through again and our first run was a NQ. Some ladies crowed around me to share how well I handled my dog in the ring and with such maturity. I will never forget how kind and supportive everyone was that weekend at the trial, how the judges gave me pointers, and that my teachers and trainer were there to cheer me on. I finished the weekend with my first leg in rally novice and a first leg in beginner novice obedience. While it took me a few tries to get a decent recall in the ring, I have learned so much, had lots of fun building the best relationship with my dog, and continue to learn so much from others at class and trials. I have found that that the other competitors are free to share their experience and teach me the ropes. During the year, Gracie and I earned titles in BN, RN, RI, TKN, and CGC.
My dog is now two years old, continues to mature and she loves having a job. I too, am continuing to grow in my handling skills. The certificates and ribbons hang on my wall remind me that when you work hard, great things can be accomplished. My goals for this year include earning titles in Novice Obedience, Rally Advanced, and Novice Agility. All of this has been a doggone good time!