Benson Earns His OTCH

From Novice A to OTCH

by Susan Dickerson

OTCH Katzenjammer Benson UDX3 OM4 RAE2

Benson and I came to the world of Obedience in a roundabout way. I had dogs here and there along the way, growing up and as an adult. I think I had attended a total of 2 puppy classes in my life before I got Benson. I knew you needed to teach your dog to heel, sit, stay and down. THAT was the sum total of my training experience. When I finally had a job where I could bring my dog to work, I started looking for a good “pet” – a dog that might be suited for Pet Therapy. I had always wanted a Standard Poodle – they’re smart and elegant – so I hooked up with a great breeder in Indiana and Benson arrived a couple months later, from Fort Wayne to Oakland, via Dallas. I signed up for puppy class and thus began our great adventure through the challenges and adventures of competitive obedience. I truly didn’t know that people showed dogs in obedience – or that there were different levels and skills to be taught. Everything was new to me – and also to poor Benson who endured all my many mistakes and miscues along the way, as I learned the sport along with him. I found a refuge in Rally where I learned to calm my ring nerves as well as to work on precision and teamwork with Benson.

My lucky break was to find Dee Dee – and to successfully convince her that I wanted to learn everything I could about competitive obedience, despite the fact that I knew next to nothing. Eight months after we started training with her, Benson earned his UD in three tries, with three first place ribbons. We got our UDX six months later, racking up our first handful of OTCH points along the way. I had never heard of an OTCH before I signed up with Dee Dee – that’s how uninformed I was. But in addition to finding her, I am also so lucky to have a great dog in Benson. Fifteen months after we got our UDX, Benson finished his OTCH, topping off that final stretch with a HIT and HC. He’s completed his UDX3, OM4 and RAE2 – all in great style. It was all possible because of Dee Dee’s patience, insight, superb coaching and unflagging encouragement, plus the support of so many of Dee Dee’s students and my fellow competitors. All have made this adventure something very special.