Five Consecutive Masters Obedience
Champion Titles
TOP : SANDRA DUKES , BOTTOM : JOHN ASHBEY
WHAT WAS WINNING LIKE ? It was quite overwhelming to win for the fifth year . I wasn ’ t sure what would happen this year with the change in format . I know that Heart is a great dog , but there was tough competition there . It was thrilling to win it . The outpouring of support from my friends , students , fellow competitors and the public has been humbling . I continue to be amazed by my wonderful dog — Heart lives up to her name in every way . The only bittersweet part was that Heart and I won ’ t compete in obedience at Westminster again . We are going to retire from Westminster with our five victories . We are hoping to come back to Westminster to do a freestyle demo next year so that Heart and I get another chance to strut our stuff on the green carpet .
ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING OBEDIENCE COMPETITORS ? I love the sport of obedience . I always encourage people to train their dogs . This sport in particular forges such a strong relationship between trainer and dog . There is nothing like it . Whether you aspire to have a better-behaved pet or to compete at Westminster , obedience training will help you to enjoy your dog more . Obedience is about communication . Training allows us to forge a common language with our dogs which makes them a joy to work with and to live with .
High in Trial winner
WHAT CLUB RECEIVED THE WESTMINSTER DONATION ? The Westminster Kennel Club donates $ 5,000 in the name of the Masters Obedience Champion each year to a dog club of the winner ’ s choice . In 2020 Linda Brennan selected Morris Hills Dog Training Club of Flanders , New Jersey .
WESTMINSTER There ’ s only one ® 61