A Sunday drive to watch a class in progress and a husband (who really should have known better) that made the comment "You will never be able to do that," lead over the years to eight Shelties with UD, one also with HT and one with the UDX and now the current newcomer who is aiming towards the UD.

When the time arrived that I had four living utility dogs, I decided to apply for judging approval. The approval for novice came quickly and then in the early 70s I received approval to judge all obedience classes. I am currently a provisional Rally judge--we all are having to start with that status for the newest AKC titled class.

While Shelties have always been my personal choice over the years, I have instructed many different breeds in novice, open and agility. I always enjoyed working with the dogs that were a bit different or had problems that needed to be resolved in order for them to become loved companions.

In 1986 I moved from Nashville, where I had been active in the Nashville Dog Training Club as Trial Chairman, Trial Secretary plus instructing novice/open/utility classes to my present location in north Alabama. This is where the majority of my training was done alone, utilizing the parking lot at my bank when they were closed. This did lead to my starting my column about Training Alone. Many people have told me that they basically do their training by themselves without the assistance of instructors or being able to work in a building with distractions. I just hope that some of my suggestions and ideas help.

I always have a good time when judging and showing. I do like seeing the variety of breeds that not only can but also do a good job in the obedience ring. Dogs do have a sense of humor and all too often decide to insert a new variation when under the judge's scrutiny. This is the time the handler had better have, or rapidly develop, a sense of humor of their own. I am always rooting for the team that is in the ring and wishing them all the very best of luck.