AKC Hunt Test Weekend in Delaware

Fieldmans Journeyman Jake - watching the bird he just pointed get flushed

This past weekend Jim and I ventured south to "The First State" to run Cleo in two AKC Senior Hunt braces. I can sum the weekend up in one word....Cold. We drove down in a legit blizzard yesterday and although it didn't snow today it was bitter cold mainly because of the vicious winds. But the dogs were out in numbers and running their hearts out.

Cleo's bracemate on Saturday - Piper

Piper honoring Cleo

 Cleo

Cleo had a so-so weekend. She ran well yesterday passing another leg of her Senior Hunter Title. We were pleased with how she worked although we had hoped she would have honored better considering how much we have been working on it lately. But as a whole she did pretty well and we were pleased. The big surprise of the weekend was when we found out that our brace mates on both days would be handled by Bruce Shaffer. Bruce owns Almost Heaven GSP's out of Springfield, West Virginia. I know Bruce through my friend Jackie as he trains her dog Gunny.

Jim and Bruce walking their brace

Piper

Cleo on point with Jim walking in for the flush

Up until this point Jim and I have only run brace's with other amateur handlers. Bruce is by all means a complete professional. He trains all sporting dog breeds including pointing, flushing and retrieving breeds. Both Jim and I learned a ton just watching the simple nuances of how he handled his dogs. It was a real treat. Today I walked an extra brace with him to take pictures of a dog he trains that's on the up and up.  He is 20 month old Fieldmans Journeyman Jake and boy does he have style and wheels! After watching this dog run today I was a believer....pass over the kool-aid. Lol. Below are some pics of him in action.

Jake right before his brace began

On the go!

Jake came right around a corner and had a fabulous honor

Bruce and Jake

If anyone is looking for a trainer in the West Virginia, Western Maryland and or Western Pennsylvania area I would recommend contacting Bruce. He handles all breeds and runs in primarily AKC Hunt tests and field trials. I will actually be attending my first field trial next Sunday when I head to New Jersey to photograph Snip's Sixth Sense Wyatt MH in action. Wyatt is currently ranked nationally in the top 10 for  field trial dogs with the GSPCA in 2011. I'm looking forward to it!

Below is one more pic of Cleo on point today. It's prob my favorite pic of all weekend....mainly because she's my bff and I always feel she has such a stylish point.

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