The AKC Versatile Companion Dog title : My journey

Sophie's diary : My name is Sophie. I am, of course, a German Shepherd Dog. Mom found me on Petfinder.com Thanksgivng 2008 when I was about 10 months old. I was very scared of people. I did not remember how I ended up in a shelter, but Kathleen, my foster mom rescued me and I lived with her for almost 3 months before mom found me. I do not know who my real mom and dad is. But mom loves me very much. She enrolled me in obedience class and agility class right away. I was fascinated and learned a lot of new things, getting a lot of treats along the way.

She also turned in an application for me to the American Kennel Club (AKC) so I can get a

Me tracking on my passing TD track
A week after my first birthday. 

Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) number. With that number, I can compete in any AKC performance sports just like a pedigree dog. Wow, I was excited. Mom also got to pick out a unique name for me, and she said since I am so silver in color, she named me after Van Gogh's Starry Starry Night.

There were quite a few things that were difficult for me to learn, like going on the dog walk and the teeter, doing a stand for exam in obedience since I was really scared of people, and staying, since I do not want mom to leave me. But one thing that I found out that I am really good at is tracking. Mom took me out to the fields the day after she came and got me from Kathleen, and she showed me how to sniff (well, I kind of knew how, you know what I mean!), and find things and she taught me how to follow a scent. That was a lot of fun for me, and the best part of the training is I get a McMuffin for breakfast afterwards. What's not to like? I passed my first AKC tracking dog test (TD) at first attempt in less than 3 months, a week after my first birthday. I found a dead bird along the track too. Mom had to take it from my mouth, but I was still a puppy then. Obedience class continued, and I passed the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test shortly thereafter.

Mom and I continued to track and enter tracking tests, along with weekly obedience and agility classes. I passed the AKC Variable Service Tracking (VST) test in Houston when I was 4 1/2 years old at the Universiy of Houston.

Me tracking on my passing VST track
At the University of Houston

Did I mention all the KFC chicken that I get to eat every time we stay at a hotel? This is an advance level tracking test, so mom is very proud of me that I had achieved an advance level title.

Mom then told me that since I had been in obedience class for almost 4 years, it was time for me to get into the obedience ring. So I got my rally novice (RN) title the following month.

Then mom told me since I had been taking agility classes for 4 years, I need to pay attention and start earning ribbons. So here I was, I got my novice, open titles in agility and jumpers in about 9 months time, and my excellent level title (AXP, AJP) in another year or so. I like jumping, and I like to run, but sometimes I run like crazy, and mom told me that I am not crazy, and I need to pay more attention. I get to go to McDonald's when I have a good run. Mom either gets me an ice cream cone or a McChicken. I also get salmon in between runs. So I have been enjoying going to agility trials.

When I turned 6 last year, mom said I need to get my act together and get my obedience title, because that is the last thing I need for the Versatile Companion Dog 1 (VDC1) title. I was still scared of some people, especially when they have big hair or a big beard. My baby brother Spencer had been coming

Me clearing a triple jump

along to the obedience shows with me, and he acts like he had been doing it all his life. He told me being petted by the judge is really no biggie, and he told me to think about McDonald's afterwards. It took me a number of times before I got my first qualifying score (Q). But then there were quite a few scary looking judges, and I either did not want to get petted by them or did not stay when I was told.

Mom put me in a sit stay down stay boot camp since I needed 2 more Qs. She said this is not all about the titles, but about being a better dog. She also said when I get my 2 Qs, I will never have to go to obedience class again. I heard that right. So I got a second Q when I saw a nice looking man and I thought hmmm I could be petted by him. And sure, nothing bad happened. But then the next day, it was a lady with big hair, and I was scared and won't let her touch me. I knew mom was upset, but she should know that I do not like big hair. So on the last day of the trial, mom told me that the judge is normal looking, so I need to pay attention. I completed my individual exercises and I Qed up to that point.

Then came the group exercises where I had to sit stay and down stay with a group of dogs that I do not know. Well, the judge was not scary so I thought it was no biggie. But then the Doberman next to me got up while we were supposed to be lying down, and went over to the bloodhound. I thought about mom's boot camp and I decided not to move, no matter what happens. So I got my last Q.

Me and mom performing the off leash heel
Exercise at an obedience trial

Now that I finally have my Companion Dog (CD) title, mom kept her word and sure enough I do not have to go to obedience class anymore. I also fulfilled the requirements of a Versatile Companion Dog 1 (VCD1), which requires at least novice titles in obedience, tracking, agility and jumpers.

I still look forward to the next hotel stay, next KFC meals, and the next dog show. I guess I will have to tag along when Spencer goes to the next obedience trial. I am glad I am a smart and multi-talented GSD, and I had lots of fun along the way.

My AKC certificates for my CD and VCD1 

For more information on the American Kennel Club Purebred Alternative Lisitng program, please visit

http://www.akc.org/register/purebred-alternative-listing/

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