In 2008, my dog, Bruno (ILP 156129), and I earned a CD title through AKC. We went on to complete training through 4-H In Utility Obedience. In August of 2009, Bruno graduated from Utility class with a passing score. It was just in time, because he was 9 years old and had some spondylosis Issues. The jumps were getting to be too much for him. He is retired now and showing more signs of aging. But he is still happy and active. And I am so proud of him.

Training dogs has made a big impact on my life. So much so, that I wrote a poem about it. It is based on the style of Fehrtinghettl in his poem "It's a Wonderful World" that contains both optimism and pessimism In a humorous way. I hope that you will enjoy it.

Dog Training is a Wonderful Hobby by Anna Schneider

Dog training is a wonderful hobby
to get into
if you don't mind the work
not always showing up
in the ring
when you know
your dog knows
That you can't
correct him
or give him treats
or toss a toy


Dog training is a wonderful hobby
to get into
if you don't mind the heart break
and years thrown away
at the end
and having
to start all over
with a different dog
and a different personality


Oh dog training is a wonderful hobby
to get into
if you like
humiliation
some of the time
and the way it humbles
all of the time
and the failing scores
and the waiting that bores
and the echo that roars
in that enclosed building
of energized dogs
crazy with energy


and the hopes that soar
and crash on a shore
and make you try more
though you'll lose
more than you'll
win


Yes dog training is the best hobby of all
for things such as
the friends you make
and the passing score
and the top ribbon
and the ideas you get
And the tips you learn
by talking to people
and wagging tails
and impatient eyes
and seeing new breeds
and watching them work
and dogs sniffing noses
and optimistic attitudes
and just
relaxing and
having a good time
Yes
but while dog lovers are having fun
in skulks the grinning
judge