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2011We hosted 2 informal retriever training days in the Spring for people interested in the basics of how to train their dogs. We had a variety of breeds, including a Flat-Coated Retriever, Spinone Italiano, Labradors, and even a Great Dane (just for fun!). Everyone had fun and learned a little too. We plan to have more training days next year. Bill judged Junior & Senior Hunt Tests for the Greater Pittsburgh Area Golden Retriever Club near Pittsburgh in May. He said it was an enjoyable weekend with a good group of dogs, and most of the dogs did a great job and passed the tests. Bill and our 1-year old Morgan had a very busy year! Morgan did very well in her Hunting Tests- she passed 4 out of 5 attempts and received her Junior Hunter Title on 10/1/11 at the American Chesapeake Club test in Chardon, Ohio. The judges were impressed with her focus (straight out and back 4 times with the bird!) even though it poured rain all day, and her water entry (no hesitation, jumped right in with a big splash!). It was so rewarding to see all of their hard work pay off. Morgan also received her Working Retriever title at The Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac's "Rover's Content" test in Brandywine, Maryland on 9/17/11 and her Canine Good Citizen title at the Frostburg Dog Park in Frostburg, Maryland on 9/24/11. Janet will be showing Morgan at the Fall Mountain Classic Dog Show in Cumberland, Maryland and The Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac Specialty "Bare Bones" Show in Warrenton, Virginia in October.Bill continues to train all the dogs for competitions in 2012. We had a wonderful Summer raising Jasmine's 11 puppies! We kept one black female we named "Wonder", and she continues to amaze us with her steadiness and intelligence. She is fearless! You can watch videos of the puppies growing on our Litter News page.  We are proud to announce that we have been recognized by the AKC as a Breeder of Merit in 2011. This is a special honor for us, as we have worked hard on our breeding program and to meet all AKC Breeder of Merit requirements, which are: -A history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events. -Earned at least 4 Conformation, Performance or Companion event titles on dogs they bred/co-bred. -Member of an AKC club. -Certifies that applicable health screens are performed on their breeding stock as recommended by the Parent Club. -Demonstrates a commitment to ensuring 100% of the puppies produced are AKC registered. | |