Page 23 - Issue 3_2018

CH Tera K’s Too Hot to Trott VCD1 BN RE CGC

by Thalia Rott

October 20017 Darlene Evans brought in her Australian Terrier Jingles In 2013 my friends finished Trotter’s Champion title. I was commit-
to the veterinary hospital for a pregnancy ultrasound. This was the ted to our performance plan and we devoted most of our training to
first time I saw Tera K’s Too Hot to Trott, aka “Trotter”. I picked her out Tracking. The ATCA Versatility Award was achieved in 2016. Shortly
and named her when she was still in the womb! The ensuing 10 ½ thereafter, AKC sent Trotter a certificate : AKC Achiever Dog.
years have been and continue to be one of the most rewarding experi- Training for Tracking was a totally new experience. Each week the
ences for me with my devoted companion.

Shetland Sheepdog Dar earned our first Companion Dog title in 1970
and went on to earn her Utility Dog title. I have been involved in
training with the San Joaquin Dog Training Club in Lodi, CA since the
1970’s and still train the Basic Obedience Class for the Club and most
graduates earn their CGC. Training with the Club, attending seminars
and serving as Obedience Chairperson for several clubs has been
an invaluable experience. I’ve had several breeds over the years but
my beloved Australian Terrier rescue Andy (Certificate of Gameness
prior to AKC Earthdog), CH Ryba’s Beat the Odds, CD, RE, CGC, and CH
Benayr Take It by Storm RN CGC won my heart for the breed.

When little Trotter entered my life, we started her career in June 2008
in the breed ring, me thinking I could handle her. INTERESTING! To say group spends 5-6 hours in the field and we train at home in-between.
that this was not my area of expertise was an understatement. Petie Our trainer is all about positive training. The dog wears a harness with
Schreeder liked to say, “you look like you are heeling your dog and a “tracking lead”. The goal is for the dog to track 20 feet in front of the
doing a Stand for Exam.” I would answer, “yes, I am.” Trotter enjoyed handler. We learn to lay tracks for each other. Each track must “age” a
the breed ring and many of my Australian Terrier friends continued to certain amount of time depending on the title we are training for. In
show her. However, my goal was to earn the ATCA Versatility Award. our case we must also be aware of any “critters”. Trotter would chase
Not having a CH would make this a little bit more challenging as there a gopher or ground squirrel if given the opportunity. Tracking is an
were not as many performance venues as we have now. all-weather sport and Trotter actually loves the rain. Trying to stay dry
ourselves can be challenging. The AKC allows dogs to wear protective
We began with Beginner Novice, Rally, and CGC. My training is based “clothes” but Trotter would rather go out and get soaking wet then
on positive reward for my dog and Trotter thrives on rewards. We also shake water all over us. Training is just part of the journey towards a
jumped into an entirely new sport for me-Agility. Again, the trainers TD. The dogs must earn a certificate under a licensed AKC Tracking
emphasized positive training methods and Trotter eared her NAP and Judge to enter a test. We earned our Certificate, which is good for a
NJP. We also took a session of Nose Work classes (prior to AKC Scent year, in April 2017. In March 2018 we were first alternate at the Palo
Work). At the same time a friend was coming to my home to train her Alto Hills Tracking Association test. Trotter drew the last track. Our
Tracking Dog for TDX. Trotter and I were invited to be a part of a week- judge has Lakeland Terriers and told me that she “was to glad to see a
ly tracking group. This was a dream come true. The trainer and several terrier in the test.” I was very happy when I saw the area for our track.
other people were AKC Tracking Judges. Nose work was discontinued It was mostly tall dry weeds with some star thistle. We train in that
so that we could devote the time needed for tracking. stuff every week and I knew she could do it. The track was 470 yards
with 5 legs and 4 turns. Seeing the hidden glove at the end of the
track was the most thrilling experience ever.

A couple days after receiving Trotter’s Tracking Dog Certificate from
AKC, she received yet another certificate- Versatile Companion Dog
1 (VCD1). Never in a million year did I ever think that we would ac-
complish this title (Editor’s note: she is the second ATCA member to
acquire a VCD1 title). Thankfully, my dog is truly versatile. She is now
working toward her CDX and TDX. I occasionally must remind myself
that Trotter “is not a sheltie.” She has a mind of her own and we are a
working team.

THANK YOU! Thanks to AKC Tracking Judge Mitzi Young for mentoring
me toward our TD title. I am grateful to Darlene Evans, Petie Schreeder
and Sue Bachman for all their moral support. Next to me they are Trot-
ter’s biggest fan cub. I am thankful to Susan Saulvester for helping me
with our ATCA Versatility award plan. She encouraged me to go “out
of my comfort zone” and try new highlights. So many years have gone
into our training journey and I have tried to summarize the highlights.
I sincerely wish that every ATCA member could have the great joy in
their lives with their working Australian Terriers that I have with Trotter.

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