Meet Lexi Halter: Training Her Pup for Good Manners Led to Titles
Name: Lexi Halter
Age: 16
Hometown: Washington, IN
Grade: 10th
Family: Parents, Julie and Mark
Not long after Lexi received her dog, Morty, as a birthday gift, it became apparent that he needed training to help him learn to behave better around other dogs. They immediately contacted a trainer and enrolled in an obedience class. This training led to Lexi and Morty getting involved in obedience and agility in the 4-H program. Then they began competing in AKC events and have been invited to compete in the 10th AKC Junior Agility Competition, sponsored by Eukanuba, and held in conjunction with the 2020 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, on Dec. 11.
AKC:How old is Morty and how did he come into your life?
Lexi: He is 8 years old and was given to me on my eighth birthday.
AKC:What got you started in training and competing with dogs? Tell us about what dog training has meant to you.
Lexi: Soon after Morty was with me, we noticed that he was biting at any dog that came into contact with him. Right away we contacted a dog trainer and enrolled him in obedience training. I also entered him in obedience and agility in my local 4-H program.
I was encouraged by a family friend to enter AKC events as well, and we have been doing so for about three years now.
AKC:Is your family involved in dog training/showing?
Lexi: No, I am the only one in my family who trains and shows.
AKC: What sports does Morty compete in and what titles and honors has he earned?
Lexi: We compete in obedience and agility. To keep him engaged during the 2020 quarantine, I started learning how to teach him tricks with our trainer Teresa Hatcher. It started as a way to keep us working together but became so much fun that we wanted to earn all five of the AKC Trick Dog titles. I think it took us about three months, and we achieved that goal.
His titles are OA and AXJ (agility), Canine Good Citizen, and Trick Dog Elite Performer (TKE).
AKC: Tell us about any other dogs you may have – names, ages, and what sports they compete in.
Lexi: We do not have any other dogs, but I keep trying to talk my parents into it.
AKC: Do you own any “non-dog” pets?
Lexi: No, we only have Morty.
AKC: What are your goals in the sport of dogs?
Lexi: Morty tore his knee back in August, and he had to have TPLO surgery. We have been working with him during his recovery so he will come back stronger than ever. His doctor is impressed with his healing, so she released him to normal activity. This means that we will be able to achieve our goal to compete in Orlando, Florida, at the Junior Agility Competition in December. It also means we are clear to try for the last leg of our agility Excellent Standard title; we are so close.
AKC: Do you plan to do something animal related as a career?
Lexi: No, but I do love dog training and I can’t see myself not doing it in the future.
AKC: What extracurricular activities are you involved in in addition to dog sports?
Lexi: I love music; I play piano and I have been in solo competitions as long as I can remember. I also enjoy playing tennis.