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to CyberHound There is something special about the last legend in July. With basset hound entries that average in the high 90’s, the four specialties and three obedience trials of the Western Regional Weekend has turned into a great gathering of basset fanciers from across the Western States, Canada, and beyond. It has also generated a true sense of "family" among the obedience enthusiasts from these areas. We have begun to consider this our annual "reunion." It does not matter how we individually do, the overwhelming feeling is that we are all in this together!
Anticipation and preparation for this event by "family members" really begins in the spring. It is at that time that we start counting which dogs will probably be competing. By late June, the concern of having enough obedience competitors to make this a qualifying trial begins to emerge. Phone calls are made, bribes and pleads soon follow.
By the time entries close, we are all overjoyed that we have reached the minimum number of dogs (at least six competing in regular classes). And we are also panic stricken. Many of us know that our dogs are far from ready for competition, but they have been entered to support the weekend.
Long hours of training, late night phone calls to other trainers, staged rehearsal matches with friends, and an uncounted number of prayers fill the last few days before the weekend actually begins. By Saturday morning, the time has come to pick up you armband, take treats out of the pockets, make one last silent prayer, and enter the ring!
Three trials in three days can either be a godsend, or a nightmare. Every exhibitor’s greatest expectation is to be able to put a title on their dog over this weekend. Three trials, three legs, what’s the problem? Of course, everyone who has ever trained one of our lovable short-legged friends knows the problem. What we want, is quite often not what our basset wants. And reluctantly, when it comes to obedience, both handler and hound must be on the same mind-set to achieve those qualifying scores.
Not just the obedience exhibitors have a great time, there are many die-hard audience members who continually lend their support, and who are also considered extended family. Most of them show in conformation, and feel that they lack the patience and time to train their own dogs. One good-hearted friend went to show several obedience exhibitors her rendition of an off lead "stay" exercise one evening after dinner on the show site. Of course that devilish twinkle appeared in her dog’s eye, and "Breezy" decided to show everyone her "Go Back (to the motorhome)’ exercise, with her owners high-tailing it after her. After the weekend, we annually get the promises from several of these supporters that they will have one of their own dogs ready for competition at next year’s event. They know that we obedience enthusiasts love company!
This year, there was an entry of two Open A dogs, six Novice B dogs, one Veteran, and, on Regionals day, one Brace. Nine very typical obedient (and not quite so), basset; belonging to six very determined hard-working, and eternally optimistic trainers. By the end of the weekend, no titles were achieve, but six legs (on four of the novice dogs) had been earned. We were all thrilled that at least one dog had qualified each day.
After much discussion, it has been determined that the position of the earth in relation to the universe during the morning hours of the last weekend in July causes all higher brain activity in Basset Hounds to cease to function. That is why, in three years, we have yet to get a qualifying score in Open. But, we are not discouraged. There is great hope that by next year, someone will come up with an antidote to this affliction!
From the tone of this column, I hope that you can get the feeling of the fun and fellowship felt throughout this weekend. Every participant shares with me the hope that you can join our family reunion next year. All it takes is a brave soul, a (supposedly) obedient basset hound, and a giant sense of humor. Our ranks are always open for new casualties . . . I mean participants!