When I was seven years old I got my first dog, a Bichon Frise puppy named B.J. This event quickly launched me into the world of purebred dogs. I joined a local dog 4-H club and began learning how to train and show my dog. Training my puppy was no easy task; I never would have thought that a cute, small, fluffy dog could be so stubborn and difficult to train. Looking back at B.J.’s puppy days I would not have asked for anything different, everything he had put me through has made me both a better trainer, handler and even a person. I quickly learned as a seven year old how to be patient, not get frustrated easily and that hard work pays off. B.J. was not a completely unruly dog, and once I learned better training techniques, he was actually very trainable. Although, performing out in the ring whether it was Junior Showmanship, rally, obedience; he was preoccupied with everything else in the show environment. I learned how to get his focus and he is now one of the most reliable dogs in showmanship, has 3 Rally titles and our teamwork is like no other.

As I continued advancing in Junior Showmanship a local Bichon breeder offered me her recently retired Championed Bichon as long as I also trained and worked him in agility, obedience, and rally. Charlie presented me with a whole new set of challenges, but this has all made me a better trainer. The experience of training and titling a variety of dogs definitely helped make me a better handler, resulting in winning Best Junior Handler at the Bichon Frise National Specialty the two years that I attended.

I would have never guessed that a childhood hobby of showing dogs could have inspired a possible career. I will be attending the University of Washington next year to study Psychology with an emphasis in Animal behavior. With this degree I plan to concentrate on research in animal behavior and become a certified Animal Behaviorist. I am most fascinated by how animals, specifically dogs, learn and their cognitive abilities. I also have a great interest in genetics and how certain behaviors are connected to the genes especially in a species with such diversity like dogs.

Honestly I cannot imagine my life not including the sport of purebred dogs. I will always be involved in AKC through being an exhibiter, club member, Junior Showmanship Judge or just a proud “Dog Show Mom.” My eleven year involvement has been such a positive influence in my life. The experiences of showing my dogs, as well as, other people’s dogs have led me to gain confidence, sportsmanship and accept constructive criticism, all of which have helped me to succeed academically and socially. I have also appreciated my parent’s involvement in my AKC shows, everything from taking me to the shows and being my “number 1 fan” to giving be tips along the way.

Not only will I always be involved in AKC, but all my experiences and connections in the “dog world” have truly given me a head start in the field of Animal Behavior and makes me very excited to continue my education.