This is part of a series of profiles on the All American Dogs entered in the 2019 AKC Obedience Classic. There will be competition at every level of obedience: Novice, Open, Utility and Masters for dogs that qualified for the event. The annual event takes place Dec. 14-15 in Orlando, FL, in conjunction with the AKC/Royal Canin National Championship and the AKC Agility Invitational.
Name: Outland’s Brooklyn UD BN CGCA TKN
Call Name: Brooklyn
Age: 9 years
Gender: Female
Obedience Classic Class: Utility
Owner: John Outland
Hometown: Tallahassee, FL
John says of Brooklyn: “Brooklyn, a hound- (vet says maybe a Plott) Boxer mix, came to me through a circuitous route after spending most of the first two years of her life on the streets. She was shy but very alert to her surroundings as she had to fend for herself there. She began to settle down after a few weeks. Brooklyn and I quickly bonded but she was still a work in progress.
“Sometime later I was driving by a park and saw a group of people with dogs. I stopped to watch and was drawn to how well the dogs worked with their handlers. Then I noticed a friend that I used to work with in the group. I called him and asked about the training and if I could join.
“The next Saturday morning Brooklyn and I made an appearance at class. The first day was tough. However, over the next year, working each day and with a trainer on Saturdays, I began to learn some things about dogs. By the second year I was helping Brooklyn to become an obedience dog.
“Some of the training classes included Tallahassee Dog Obedience Club (TDOC) members, and they encouraged me to join and take classes. I soon learned that dog training consists of many skills including knowing how to read your dog, patience, the ability to listen, watch, keeping your dog focused, and time.
“We would thank everyone that has taken the time to train us, encourage us or go out of the way to help us along the journey. Brooklyn and I say THANK YOU!”