Category: club history

Big Sky now an AWMA member club

After much discussion, it was finally decided that Big Sky should affiliate with the American Working Malinois Association. We have been a United Schutzhund Clubs of America member club for many years, but the expenses for our small club were getting to be too much. We’re sorry to leave UScA, but are excited about our relationship with AWMA.

Warren Jones

Aug. 25, 1954 – July 7, 2013

Warren with Ryker vom Polarstern SchH3 IP2 FH CD TD
Warren with Ryker vom Polarstern SchH3 IP2 FH CD TD
After a year-long battle with glioblastoma, Warren leaves us to be led home by his heart dogs, Ryker and Harley. A warm, honest, and genuine man, Warren was loved by many and leaves friends around the world.

Warren was born in Macon, Ga., to USAF Colonel James Theodore “Ted” Jones (1923 – 1991) of Georgia and Havelyn Jenkins Jones (1925 – 1999) of South Carolina. As an Airforce brat, Warren lived all over the world, including Japan, Washington, D.C., Alaska, and New Mexico. After graduating high school in Albuquerque, he attended UC Davis, studying chemical engineering and environmental engineering. Davis became home for longer than any place he’d lived until that point.

While at Davis, he met his next door neighbor, Samie Foster. Knowing she was a dog lover, he asked her to come with him to look at a litter of sheltie mix puppies. They brought home Reyna, who was with them for the next 16+ years. Warren and Samie were married in July of 1983, a wedding that Warren’s mother threatened to boycott because, appropriately enough for Warren and Sam, a dog was the ring-bearer.

After receiving a doctorate in environmental engineering from the University of California at Davis, Warren came to Bozeman in 1986 and began doing research at MSU in the Center for Biofilm Engineering and teaching in the Department of Civil Engineering. As time progressed, he became the point of contact and advocate for the environmental engineering program. Warren had a passion for teaching and loved working with students. Known for his tough exams and rigorous discipline, he was nonetheless beloved by his students and colleagues, as these comments from his Facebook page attest: “Warren’s door was always open” and “Your life’s work reminds me that the business of the University, composed of teaching, research, and a lot of meetings, is ultimately the mentoring of the next generation.” His gentle yet knowledgeable manner extended to all areas of his life: “Whether teaching students in engineering or judging a handler and dog on the Schutzhund field, Warren could make you feel comfortable and relaxed even though you were about to do something you feared the most.”

In addition to teaching, Warren served as Chair of Faculty Senate at MSU, was the faculty advisor for the civil engineering student honors organization Chi Epsilon, and was a professional member of the American Water Works Association. He volunteered as a board member for the Gallatin County Local Water Quality District and was chair of the Gallatin County Board of Health. He had a long-standing involvement with the Montana Water School, which offers certification and career enhancement programs to professionals working on civil and industrial water projects.

Warren’s love of teaching extended to helping Samie home school their son, Derek, born in 1994. Derek inherited his father’s intelligence, quick wit, and diversified talents.

Warren was also an avid lover of German shepherds and Malinois, dog training, and the sport of Schutzhund. As a performance judge with the United Schutzhund Clubs of America, Warren helped many new competitors through their trial jitters and made them feel at ease.

Warren loved the blues. He was a roadie with several bands in college and formed the rock band Baby Fae and the Heartless Baboons with several friends, writing the local hit song, “I Love Ya Baby, But You Got No Heart.” After moving to Bozeman, he played bass guitar with Textbook Blues for many years. Ironically, their last gig together was a CD release party for Got Your Number which featured songs with lyrics written by Warren, including “Priorities” and “Thro’ Da Ball.”

Now we are all singing the blues because the big band conductor in the sky done got his number.

Warren leaves his cherished wife of 30 years, Samie, and beloved son, Derek; brother-in-law, Chris Foster of Colorado; and mother-in-law Patricia Foster of Bozeman (formerly San Diego).

No memorial services are planned; please treasure your memories of Warren and think of him often as you laugh, tell stories, talk dogs, drink a good beer, listen to music, play with your dog, eat hotter ‘n’ hell Mexican or Indian food, or enjoy a good chicken-fried steak. Play on, Warren, and ROCK THE HOUSE!

In recognition and honor of his dedication to education, contributions may be made in Warren’s memory to the “Warren L. Jones Memorial Scholarship.” Please make checks payable to the MSU Alumni Foundation, P.O. Box 172750, Bozeman, MT 59717-2750.

Warren with Franz Dörr, judging critique
Warren with Franz Dörr, judging critique

2003

Big Sky Schutzhund Club October Trial Results

Worden (Billings), Montana

October 4-5, 2003

USA Nikki Banfield
  SchH 3   T O P TSB total  
  Nike ot Vitosha SchH2 Mali       “a”   Rosellen Westerhoff
  SchH 2   T O P TSB total  
  Nixe vom Leerburg SchH1 GSD           Janice Bogy
  SchH A     O P TSB total  
  Broken Circle BucksKgdmBytheC ACD           Ingrid Rosenquist
  Arek von der vier Eichen SchH3 GSD       “a”   Debbie Dilley
  BH     O        
  Saga vom Grunewald GSD   FAILED   Sami Jones
  Bull Mountain’s Night’s First Light “Venus” Mali   PASSED   Coral Westerhoff
  FH   T       total  
  Can Tango v. Bullinger GSD           Sue Geske

Congratulations to Nike Ot Vitosha and her new SchH 3! Nike is an awesome working dog with a gifted trainer. Congratulations also to Poe and Ingrid on their successful SchH A! Many Thanks go to the Westerhoffs for again providing such beautiful trial grounds. Debbie and Ingrid provided gift baskets for all competitors and Debbie sponsored some great new trophies. Bruce Westerhoff worked as trial helper, track layer and trial secretary — thanks, Bruce! Lily Westerhoff didn’t trial this time as Joeri is retired and Ura, her new puppy, is just learning the ropes. But Lily kept busy videotaping the trial and earning some money for horseback riding lessons. Finally, congratulations to the new team of Coral and Venus for achieving their BH!

Seminar Notes
Anne attended a five day seminar with Ivan Balabanov and Michael Ellis in Kentucky in November. Here are a few notes she made regarding obedience:

  1. There must be a clear beginning and end to an obedience session and to each exercise. Give the dog a cue that you are going to be training when you start your session with the dog in drive. End with a verbal cue that everything is over (something like “that’s all” or “we’re done”). For each exercise, end with the release word you have chosen, and HAVE THE DOG LEAVE THE POSITION WHERE THE EXERCISE OCCURRED. For example, if you have asked for a sit out of motion, give your release word, and have them move towards you for the reward.
  2. Think about the way you are playing with your dog with the toy. They should be empowered by the play, not just be hanging on. Be conscious of actually playing tug where they win by pulling against you, and then you win by pulling against them.
  3. When you are working on the motion exercises and the long down, realize that you want to have the dog focused on you. If they are stationary but distracted while you are out of the heel position, use this opportunity to give your release word and have them power to you for the reward. This might sound like you are rewarding them looking away, but if you already have a firm foundation of focus for reward, it will actually teach them that they don’t want to lose focus because that toy is going to come out and surprise them. I saw this in action and it really works well. This will also help for the recall where you don’t want the dog looking away from you – if they do, use it as an opportunity to release and play.
  4. Use any potential stressful situation on the field to build drive. For example, when you start introducing heeling in the group, reward the dog when you reach their “awareness distance” as they approach the group. For some dogs this may be ten feet away. You’ll know where it is by their body language. Then throw the toy into the group, have them bring it back, move closer, etc. The intent is to have them associate the group with the reward. In one session I saw a dog that was a little worried about the group become totally focused and eager to enter the group. This same approach should work for any other potentially stressful situation for the dog.
  5. Retrieving was covered, including teaching the hold. Most of you have seen the hold exercise, and it is too long to describe here anyway. For building speed on return, use lots of verbal encouragement, slap your leg, etc. The word in my notes that I have is “explode” immediately after the pick-up so there is a tight turn and fast recall. There was discussion on running backwards, but the general impression is this should be done perhaps only a few times at the very beginning and then not at all. Obviously, the dog should be taught this initially when very, very high in drive. There was one session where the handler had someone hold the dog, the handler threw the dumbbell, and then ran out and got it themselves a few times until the dog was very stimulated. There was much discussion on imprinting puppies on the retrieve and how critical this is.
  6. End comment/philosophy – think about the end result that you want and then shape the behavior to get to that picture. Be sure that you have clear, distinct release words and that your bridging words (good! and no…)are used appropriately and at the correct time (always easier said than done!!). Always give your release word before you produce the reward, and have the dog break position and move towards you. Be exciting and happy that you are a team member with your dog. Have the mentality that you are not “working” your dog, but “playing” with your dog so that the result is good communication and a willing worker. Teach incrementally, but put things together as fast as you can so you are truly enforcing the desired behavior. The perfection expected in successive approximations of the correct behavior should be done as quickly as possible for the individual dog (Ivan is an absolute master of this). If you do all this, there should be a minimum of punishment (leash corrections, e collar stim, etc.)needed at any stage in training.

Danno
Danno Brags
Anne writes:
“And a little brag…. took Danno to Missoula for a supported show for malinois over the weekend, where he went winner’s dog all three days and best of winners one day for a major (there were five bitches). So that’s six points. Not bad for a nearly six year old dog who had never set foot in a breed ring. I also got to see four of his “kids” that are now 14 mo. old. His son Issac finished his championship in Billings and now has two group 4 placements. One of his daughters, Nova, had some great obedience runs with a 197 in Novice A, trained and handled by a junior. It was a fun weekend!”

Spring Trial

BSSC’s spring trial was held in Bozeman 28-29 June, 2003 with USA Judge Mike Hamilton, assisted by apprentice judge Ray Blomberg. High in Trial went to Rosellen Westerhoff and Nike Ot Vitosha, who also earned their SchH2 title.

Anne Camper and Danno tracked beautifully to earn their first FH with a 96-V “excellent” score and High Score Tracking. What a team to watch! Tracking conditions were a little harder this year due to recent rains followed by scorching temperatures, but you sure couldn’t prove it by the FH team.

New club member Robert Kochan with his super young dog “Nick” earned their BH on Saturday and their SchH1 on Sunday with the high
protection score. It was obvious that Mike Hamilton thought highly of this team.

Eugene Gelhard and Skipper repeated their SchH3 for the fourth time. Thanks go out to Eugene and Rosemary for once again making the long drive from Utah and for their continuing support! We’re looking forward to seeing Gene progress with his new puppy, “Rocky”, when Skipper gets to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

Pete and Ellen Higgins drove over from Spokane to try TR3s with Dobermans Remington and Zephra. Unfortunately, Remy, who has had some poor health this spring, wasn’t ready to enter to track in sun-baked hardpan after having trained on the lush green grass of Washington. Zeffie also had some problems in the dirt and was unable to complete the track. However, it sure was nice to see old friends and catch up on the news.

This trial could have easily been called “The Westerhoff Family Trial”. Lily, age 9, showed her malinois Joeri, age 10, to another OB1, while Coral, age 7, showed Joeri to another TR1. Coral did an outstanding job of laying the track and then handling Joeri through some difficult moments. Lily was a smooth and composed handler even though Joeri made it obvious she’d rather have continued her snooze in the sun during the long down. Mike was genuinely delighted to judge both girls, and had high praise for their professionalism and sportsmanship. Bruce Westerhoff, in his debut as a Schutzhund competitor, competently handled Debbie Dilley’s dog, Arek, to a SchH2. In addition, Bruce was tracklayer for the FH and decoy for the SchH1 and front half of the SchH3. Finally, Nike and Rosellen did an outstanding job of earning their SchH2 and HIT. Mike commented that Rosellen’s handling was “smooth like ice” and he expects to see more of this team.

Mary Lehman and Phoenix, who also drove up from Utah, successfully completed their BH test. While Mary is an old hand at search and rescue, this was her first Schutzhund trial. Phoenix is a handsome dog who also showed steady nerves in Mike’s demanding traffic portion of the BH test.

Jessica Boerger and Couloir had some unfortunate problems in tracking, but turned in respectable and enjoyable performances in obedience and protection. Janice Bogy and Nixe squeaked out a passing TR1, Sue Geske and Tango passed their TR3 with the first track of the trial, and Ingrid Rosenquist and her Australian Cattle Dog Poe got their OB1 with a performance that included some rather interesting retrieves!

Happy birthday to Derek Jones, who had to share his special day with a “stoopid dog trial”, and will have to share Halloween with the Nationals. I know he wishes his parents had a different hobby…

Thanks to EVERYONE for making the trial run so smoothly. Special thanks to Jessica for taking care of trophies and judge’s gifts (and keeping Warren in beer while he ran the Saturday night barbeque), Sammie for a great job as trial secretary, hostess and photographer, to Warren for general organization, host duties, and trial helper work, and for coordinating and captaining everything from start to finish; thanks to Bruce for his stinky feet on Danno’s FH track and helper work; to Rob for helping with set up prior to the trial; and to Sue for track laying. Also, thanks to Anne for laying the SchH3 tracks and running the group and jumping to help do things every time Warren needed a spare set of hands…. and Ingrid for crawling around in the slime in the kiddie pool to scrub it out for the kids… and to Rosellen & Debbie (and unknown accomplices) for cleaning up and putting all the food away, and Janice and Gus for one of the more entertaining “dummy” dogs we’ve seen… This might be the smoothest run trial yet. We all “done good.”

Trial Results

Bozeman, Montana

28-29 June 2003

USA Mike Hamilton
 
FH 1
 T total
  Danno Ot Vitosha
SchH3 IPO3		 Mali 96
V		 96
V		 Anne Camper
 
SchH 3
 T O P TSB total
  Angus vom Hausreid
SchH3		 GSD 76
B		 78
B		 74
B		 vh 228
B		 Eugenius Gelhard
 
SchH 2
 T O P TSB total
  Nike ot Vitosha
SchH1		 Mali 95
SG		 92
SG		 87
G		 “a” 274
SG		 Rosellen Westerhoff
  Arek von der vier Eichen
SchH3		 GSD 82
G		 71
B		 88
G		 “a” 241
G		 Bruce Westerhoff
  Couloir vom das Wendl-Rudel
SchH1		 GSD 38
M		 83
G		 88
G		 “a” —
M		 Jessica Boerger
 
SchH 1
 T total
  Apparitor of Y. Maeda
BH		 GSD 95
SG		 81
G		 92
SG		 “a” 268
G		 Robert Kochan
 
BH
 O
  Apparitor of Y. Maeda GSD PASSED Robert Kochan
  Phoenix vom Valkyre GSD PASSED Mary Lehman
 
TR 3		 T total
  Can Tango v. Bullinger GSD 88
G		 88
G		 Sue Geske
  Wittrock’s ZZZZZephra Dobe 36
M		 36
M		 Ellen Higgins
 
TR 1		 T total
  Joeri Casa de Mandingo’s Mali 81
G		 81
G		 Coral Westerhoff
  Nixe vom Leerburg GSD 70
B		 70
B		 Janice Bogy
 
OB 1		 O total
  Broken Circle BucksKgdmBytheC ACD 84
G		 84
G		 Ingrid Rosenquist
  Joeri Casa de Mandingo’s Mali 74
 74
B		 Lily Westerhoff

Welcome to new members!
Welcome to new club member Robert Kochan, who comes to us via Japan. While serving in the Air Force, Rob trained with the Kanto Plains Schutzhund Klub and had the opportunity to work with some of the top trainers and helpers in the world. His young dog “Nick” is a happy working dog with a clear head and nice grips. He also brought over a very promising young female, Ally, who Anne has generously agreed to foster for the summer while Rob completes some mandatory USAF training in California and Alabama. Welcome Rob! We hope you enjoy your time in the Big Sky Country.

Zouka

INTRODUCING BABY ZOUKA!
Anne has a new puppy, coming to her all the way from Belgium. For more information about Zouka, click here.

Diva at Guide Dogs graduation
Diva graduated from Guide Dogs!
For Diva’s story, click here.

2002

2002 The Year in Review

For the Big Sky Schutzhund Club of Montana

It was another super year for Big Sky Schutzhund Club. We were fortunate to host an Ivan Balabanov seminar in June and then to have Michael Ellis out for training in July and September. A BIG round of “Thank you!” to Ivan and Michael for their hard work, patience and expert training help.

B.S.S.C. held two trials this year, marking its first trial in another portion of Montana, hosted by Bruce and Rosellen Westerhoff of Worden.

The first trial was held in Bozeman with U.S.A. Judge Willie Pope on Aug. 17-18. Tracking was on plowed dirt and the obedience and protection were hosted by Sammie and Warren Jones.

Lily and Joeri
The entire club membership pitched in to contribute and support the event. Lily Westerhoff, 8 years old, showed her malinois Joeri. The judge was impressed with this young athlete’s professionalism and handling ability in both the TR1 and BH. It was Jessica Boerger’s first schutzhund trial with her dog Couloir. They turned out a nice performance and took home the High SchH1 Score award. Rosellen and Nike also earned their SchH1 as did Teressa Keenan with Acky. Nike, 19 months old, was the youngest dog entered for a title. Sue Geske and her tracking machine, Tango,
Sue and Tango
had a marvelous track but other parts did not come together for them. Debbie Dilley and Babe also had some difficulties. Anne Camper and Danno gave the FH a try but it was not their day either. Debbie and Arek took home their first SchH3 title along with H.I.T..
Rosellen and Raudi
Rosellen and Raudi gained another well performed SchH3 title along with Eugene Gelhard and Skipper. Thanks go out to Eugene and Rosemary for making the long distance drive from Utah to support B.S.S.C. seminars and this year’s trial!

no images were found

Go to the Gallery to see all the trial photos. Here are some highlights:

More photos in the gallery.

The club’s second trial was held Oct. 19th under U.S.A. judge Nikki Banfield. After playing with the wolves in Yellowstone National Park for a week, Nikki was refreshed and ready to get down to judging. We squeezed it into a one-day trial that included everything from TR1 to FH2. The youngest competitor, Coral Westerhoff, age 6, took home the High Tracking Score award with veteran dog Joeri. Coral laid a very nice TR1 track and showed her dog in a very professional manner. Looking like a little locomotive she plowed down the track with her tiny legs pumping out 200 paces each way to equal the other competitors track length. The FH tracks were laid on challenging terrain. Unfortunately neither team was able to finish the track, and it was discovered after the tracking test was ended that the farmer had fertilized the fields two days before.

Back at the trial field, Janice Bogy with Axel and new club member Ingrid Rosenquist with her spunky blue dog, Poe, turned out some nice performances to earn their BH. Sammie Jones and her high drive dog “Bubba Joe” showed great team spirit and club support by entering for their BH knowing they weren’t quite ready to do so. It was a high energy and happy performance by both dog and handler. Lily Westerhoff performed an OB1 with Joeri and did a wonderful job showing her. Unfortunately, Joeri could not make the jump. Lily’s mom also proved to be too much of a distraction so they did not receive their OB1 this time; however, Lily showed excellent sportsmanship as she gave a big smile and paid close attention to the judge’s critique. She congratulated the other team and complemented them as she left the field.

Rosellen and Raudi took home a new title, IPO3, along with H.I.T. Jessica and Couloir had the high protection score but unfortunately did not earn their SchH2 this day. Jessica also showed excellent sportsmanship and club support by entering her exuberant dog knowing he wasn’t quite ready. Good sportsmanship was the resounding theme of the day which ended with an evening filled with conversation, laughter and good food shared amongst dog sport enthusiasts, friends and family.

Thank you to Bruce Westerhoff and Warren Jones for another great trial with safe helper work. None of us could do the sport without you and your endless devotion to working our dogs all year long. Pass or fail, each team entered had worked very hard all year and gave it their best try and all deserve a pat on the back and to hear the words, “job well done!”. Now it’s onward to an even better training and trialing year in 2003!
— Debbie Dillie

Fall Trial Results!

Worden, Montana
19 October 2002
USA Nikki Banfield

IPO 3
 T O P TSB total
Raudi v. Revolutionsküppel
SchH3		 GSD 94
SG		 82
G		 83
G		 “a” 259
G		 Rosellen Westerhoff

SchH 2
 T O P TSB total
Couloir vom das Wendl-Rudel
SchH1		 GSD 50
I		 78
G		 84
G		 “a” 212
I		 Jessica Boerger

TR 2
 T total
Nike ot Vitosha
SchH1		 Mali 88
G		 88
G		 Rosellen Westerhoff

OB 2
 O total
Nike ot Vitosha
SchH1		 Mali 77
S		 77
S		 Rosellen Westerhoff

IPO 1
 T O P TSB total
Bianka von Rosenhoff Dobe 84
G		 95
SG		 — I — Debbie Dilley

TR 1		 T total
Joeri Casa de Mandingo’s Mali 96
V		 96
V		 Coral Westerhoff
Can Tango v. Bullinger GSD 92
SG		 92
SG		 Sue Geske

OB 1		 O total
Joeri Casa de Mandingo’s Mali 67 67 Lily Westerhoff

BH
 O total
Broken Circle BucksKgdByTheC “Poe” ACD PASSED Ingrid Rosenquist
Axel vom Kajotenpfad GSD PASSED Janice Bogy
Ali von Herzensfruede GSD NOT PASSED Sammie Jones

FH
 T total
Danno Ot Vitosha
SchH3 IPO3		 Mali 13 13
U		 Anne Camper

FH 2
 T total
Aky vom Bergweiler
SchH1 FH		 GSD 5
U		 5
U		 Teressa M. Keenan

Summer Trial Results!

Date: August 17 & 18, 2002

Judge: USA Willie Pope

We had a great trial, with several new titles. Jessica got her first Schutzhund title ever with her great dog Couloir, taking home the High SchH 1 and High Protection awards! Rosellen with Nike and Teressa with Aky also received their SchH 1 titles. Debbie with Arek achieved their SchH 3 with flying colours, taking home the High in Trial, High SchH 3, High Tracking and High Obedience trophies. Rosellen with Raudi and Gene with Skipper again successfully repeated their SchH 3 titles.

Our youngest member, Lily, with her dog Joeri repeated their TR1 and added a new BH. Willie was very impressed with Lily’s professional handling and thought he might bring her out to his club to conduct a handler’s seminar!

Thanks Willie for coming over to Montana to judge — we knew you’d have a good time once you got here!

Bozeman, Montana
17 – 18 August, 2002
USA Willie Pope

SchH 3
 T O P TSB total
Arek von der vier Eichen
SchH3		 GSD 97
V		 90
SG		 82
G		 P 269
G		 Debbie Dilley
Raudi v. Revolutionsküppel
SchH3		 GSD 96
V		 85
G		 81
G		 P 262
G		 Rosellen Westerhoff
Angus vom Hausreid
SchH3		 GSD 86
G		 70
B		 80
G		 P 236
B		 Eugenius Gelhard

SchH 1
 T O P TSB total
Couloir vom das Wendl-Rudel GSD 77
B		 87
G		 91
SG		 P 255
G		 Jessica Boerger
Nike ot Vitosha Mali 75
B		 76
B		 83
G		 P 234
B		 Rosellen Westerhoff
Aky vom Bergweiler GSD 85
G		 72
B		 75
B		 P 232
B		 Teressa M. Keenan
Bianka von Rosenhoff Dobe 52
M		 88
G		 68
M		 vh –
M		 Debbie Dilley
Can Tango v. Bullinger GSD 95
SG		 48
M		 7
U		 ng –
M		 Sue Geske

FH
 T
Danno Ot Vitosha
SchH 3 IPO 3		 Mali 14 – – – 14
U		 Anne Camper

BH
 O
Joeri Casa de Mandingo’s Mali PASSED Lily Westerhoff

TR 1
 T
Joeri Casa de Mandingo’s Mali 89
G		 89
G		 Lily Westerhoff

Photos from our first work session with Michael Ellis!

Michael is a great and innovative trainer. He has a very clear picture of the progression in training a young dog. His philosophy complements Ivan’s, but he also has a new perspective. He is a thinking dog trainer and a great communicator.

Second Working Weekend with Michael Ellis!

Date: 21 – 22 September, 2002

If you missed the first one, here’s your chance to work with Michael again.

Location: Bozeman at the regular training field (the Jones’). We’re hoping to make these work sessions with Michael a regular event. Please let us know if you’d like to attend. Training fees will be dependent on how many dogs are worked: we’re anticipating around $85 per dog for the weekend, but it may be somewhat more.

New Members!
Welcome to new members Eugenius and Rosemarie with Skipper from Utah! Thanks for your support at all our past trials and seminars; we look forward to seeing you at future events. As an associate member, you can now be assured of a spot in seminars, no matter how full they get!