2017 OBEDIENCE SPRINGER OF THE YEAR
OTCH POLESITTER'S WALK THIS WAY UDX3 OM6 BN VER RE MXB MJB
- Tyler -
Owned by Emily Falterman and Mike Bockhorn
Stats: Average 396.7 out of 400
Tyler and I had three really big goals in 2017 in obedience, and we achieved each of them in style. I wanted to get his OTCH, get invited to the NOC, and make ESSFTA Obedience Springer of the Year. He achieved each of those goals easily, even making a few new friends and fans on the way and picking up his MACH as well. He even achieved a perfect score of 200 in obedience, just a few weeks after earning his OTCH. He is an amazing dog, and we are lucky to have such an amazing support group, from at home at DSK to people watching from afar, all helping us achieve our goals. Thank you to Mike Bockhorn for entrusting me with this special boy, and Kim Berkley for all your help and guidance. 2017 was definitely his year.
2017 UTILITY SPRINGER OF THE YEAR
CH ESSPECIAL RED HOTT AND BLUE UD RN THDX
- Peyton -
Owned by Karen Bolt
Stats: Average: 189.5 out of 200
I am thrilled, surprised and grateful to have Peyton be awarded Utility Springer of the Year!
Obedience training was my introduction to the sport of dogs and has always been my first love in it. It has had to co-exist, however, with the other interests that came along as well. That makes this award truly special and a nod to a dog that has managed to “get” and be willing to try everything I’ve asked of him.
Peyton is the third generation of boys that have excelled in obedience, breed and other venues at the same time. He is my pick from a litter I bred of two of my very favorite dogs and I see both his parents in him constantly. Smart, funny and sensitive-His training is sometimes a breeze and sometimes a challenge due to that sensitivity. He has made me a better trainer, cheerleader and actress, that’s for sure. He always seemed to pull it together at the right time though, earning top Novice and Open dog at the obedience club I belong to and now, ESSFTA Top Utility Dog!
Peyton’s sensitivity and kindness do, however, make him an outstanding Therapy Dog, gentle and intuitive with children and seniors alike. He is also a gentle and cooperative PeeWee Juniors partner with his friend, 5 year-old Evelyn.
At age 9, now entering his Veteran career, I hope to be able to continue our partnership for a while, until his son is ready to rock the obedience ring!!!
As always, thanks to my husband, who supports all my crazy endeavors and to my training friends and Springer friends who are always there to help.
2017 OPEN SPRINGER OF THE YEAR
LAKEVILLES TRAVIS MCGEE CDX JH WDX
- Travis -
Owned by Jon Pidde
Stats: Average: 196.67 out of 200
Travis is a VERY energetic dog who just wants to keep me happy. He would rather be
out in the field bird hunting but if doing this obedience stuff is what I want then lets
go have some fun!
In 2017 Travis started the year as a dog who had never been in an obedience
competition. He had a wonderful time in novice but in open he gets to show off his
speed and retrieving skills. Now it is time to be moving on to utility and to begin his
agility training.
I would like to thank the ESSFTA for honoring Travis and I look forward to doing
more obedience, agility and rally in 2018.
2017 NOVICE SPRINGER OF THE YEAR
CROSSROAD POLESITTER ALWAYS CD RA MX MXJ NF
- Beckett -
Owned by Kim Berkley, Laurie Green, and Jody Garcini
Stats: Average: 199.33 out of 200
It was love at first sight when I met Beckett (whelped July 24, 2015). She was just five months old then, but I could already see the makings of a fantastic obedience dog. Beckett loves to heel, and she runs for everything. She runs for the joy of the wind in her ears!
Inside the ring, she’s been all that I expected. Last December, she competed in Novice at the AKC Obedience Classic and finished seventh in this highly competitive class. We’ll be back again this year to compete in Utility. She already has two Utility wins under her belt — a great start on the journey to her OTCH.
This talented girl has been a standout in agility as well, finishing her MACH this June. The road ahead of her looks limitless.
2017 NOVICE A SPRINGER OF THE YEAR
GROVE'S BLUE SKIES SMILING ON ME CD BN RA MXB MJB OF T2B
- Skye -
Owned by Richard Barker
Stats: Average: 196.33 out of 200
It’s an honor to receive the ESSFTA Novice A Obedience award this year. Skye has been working hard and her confidence is starting to show in the ring. She earned her CDX in June and we are looking forward to the challenge of Utility. Hopefully she can follow in her Daddy Peyton’s footsteps and win the Utility award next year. A wise judge recently said to me, “she’s an OTCH dog waiting for a handler.” I couldn’t agree more.
While working on her skills in obedience, Skye has been busy with her first love, agility, picking up her first MACH at the 2017 national specialty, and her MACH2 this May. We can’t wait to see what else this girl can do.
Thanks to our trainer, Kim Berkley, and all the support at DSK. Without their help and patience this wouldn’t have been possible.
2017 RALLY SPRINGER OF THE YEAR
OTCH PRIDE 'N JOY'S SPIDERS FROM MARS UDX2 OM4 RM RAE2 MX MXJ CA
Ziggy
Owned by Diane Sparks
Stats: Average 199.80 out of 200
Greetings from Germany! Ziggy and I are sorry that we could not compete a bit more nor attend the ESSFTA Nationals this year. We have made a big move to Germany and will be watching from there for the next three years!
I would like to thank the ESSFTA for this wonderful Rally Springer of the Year award. Ziggy is an enthusiastic and willing partner in all our endeavors and he made learning the new Master Level signs a joy! He loves to strut his stuff so competition is also a blast. He wowed everyone by becoming one of the first dogs in the country to earn his Rally Master title back in December 2017 and we are currently working hard in out latest endeavor, Rally FrEe. While not yet an AKC sport, I am sure it will be soon! Auf Wieder Sehen!
