Canines Make My Day

July 29, 2011

Canines Make My Day

"Hey, Sunshine, want to go to see the Canine Olympics today?" she said with her usual smiling face. "I think you need a break from house hunting."

And so it was. Simply arriving at the University of Connecticut's Depot Campus as my friend parked the car, I felt the excitement building as if I were a little kid. Anxious and exuberant, I joined the crowd around the fenced in area, which was strategically laid out with various obstacles. Our heads immediately turned towards our left as the announcer broadcasted the handler and partner names, along with a brief background on their accomplishments. It was then they bolted from the starting line.

Submerging themselves into the muddy water, then up and over a huge elevated log onto the grass, they then dropped to the ground and crawled under the sprawling mass of mesh fencing. Emerging unscathed the handler, a fine young police officer, stood erect with her canine companion sitting attentively at her side.

This particular pair was outstanding. The majority of handler's gave the commands in German. In speaking to one of the trainers he explained to me the importance of socialization referring me to a group who place the pups in a home for a designated time frame (1-1 1/2yrs).

Yet, this was only the beginning as many other obstacles lie ahead requiring complete control of their dogs.

Another integral part of the competition was, of course, catching the "bad guy". The handler approached with their partner commanding them to down stay fixing their eyes on every movement of the perpetrator. The dog was then released and given the command to attack.

Once the command was given to release the culprit, the dog backed off and returned to the handler eagerly awaiting the next command. The officer approached the suspect, "cuffed" them before escorting them off the field, canine at their side.

As you can see, I was more focused on the canines than the trainers.

This dog with many years of service is due to retire soon, according to his long time companion/handler. He will begin again with another partner while this dog continues to reside with he and his family.