The spotlight shines on Gianni, a Standard Poodle who is starting his journey in agility after experiencing a sad life event. Gianni’s first owner, who had him since he was a pup and adored him, passed away from Covid in fall 2021. Thanks to Stoney Run Canine Camp, where he attended daycare, he had a place to stay. Then dog trainer Sharon Jonas adopted him and made him part of her family. He is now competing on a league team and loving his life. He delighted onlookers at the 2023 AKC Agility League Championship, where he sported his team colors & visited the TV crew!
Call name: Gianni
Age: 4 years
Breed: Standard Poodle
Registered Name: Ch. Gulfbreeze All About Gianni’s Design CGCU TKI ATT FDC
Owner: Sharon Jonas
City/ State: Valparaiso, IN
League Name: SRCC Speed Demons – Limited Freshman
How old was Gianni when he came to live with you & tell us the story of how you became his owner.
Gianni was owned by Sharon Power since he was a puppy. He was an only dog and was dearly loved. She did not compete with him but sent him with a handler to obtain his conformation championship. He also attended Stoney Run Canine Camp daily for daycare, boarding and training. Unfortunately, Sharon became sick with covid in fall 2021. While she was in the hospital, she asked the Stoney Run owners to look after him and find him a new home if she died. Of course, Kim and Sue agreed. Sharon passed away on Sept 27, 2021. Gianni stayed at the boarding facility until the estate allowed him to be adopted. Gianni first went to a retired couple who previously owned a Toy Poodle. Sue and Kim gifted the new owners with a training class so they could have a better start. But Gianni did not want the quiet, retired life, and the new owners realized it was not a good fit. Gianni needed to work. He missed his visits to Stoney Run and all his friends.
This is where I come in. I am a dog trainer at Stoney Run and have known Gianni for several years. Even though I have never wanted a Poodle, I cared for him dearly. I knew I had to bring him home. In January 2022, he joined my three Miniature American Shepherds.
Was Gianni already involved in agility or did you introduce the sport to him? Was there an adjustment period after he moved in with you?
Although Gianni had been taught some agility by everyone at the center for fun when he was at day school, he had never competed in anything other than conformation. I heard about the Agility League and when Stoney Run decided to host it, I knew Gianni and I had to become involved. He lived at my house for several months before the league started. We got to know each other in a totally different setting. He had to learn to live with other dogs, and I had to learn how to deal with a grieving poodle. But he eventually became happy again and started showing his colorful side.
What is he like to train and compete with?
Gianni is a wonderful, smart and funny dog. He absolutely has a clown in him. He is easy to train but gets bored easily and then he gets into mischief. He also wants to make people laugh by being naughty. He loves to grab his leash and run around the ring with it. He also grabs the numbers. The first time he competed in agility was at Purina Farms for the Agility League Championship. He had never even been to another facility to practice. I was really proud of him, even though he wasn’t perfect. But he did make me laugh with his antics.
Does Gianni work in any other sports?
Gianni is now training for scent work and rally as well as agility. He also has barn hunt titles and some Fast CAT points.
What do you like best about being part of a League team?
I can’t wait to get Gianni ready for agility trials and I feel that the League has made that possible for us. We get to practice and compete in a trial atmosphere with all the teammates supporting each other. I would have never attended the League Championships if not for them. They were such a big support and the deciding factor on us attempting to trial in agility next year. I am in the league again, and it absolutely gives me more confidence.
What do you consider his greatest achievement?
I think Gianni’s biggest accomplishment is being able to go with the flow. Nothing changes his positive, happy attitude. The more he works, the happier he is. He is not what people think a Poodle is, even though he has hair ties and pom poms. This is a sturdy working breed but also extremely affectionate. He totally surprised me.
Future goals for Gianni?
I hope we can title in agility, scent work and rally. He loves everything and everyone. When he is in the ring, he just lights up.