This is Toby and I earning our first leg in APDT Rally Level 2. It was like ninety five degrees out, and it was also the very first time I competed off lead with Toby - my occasional ring runner. When I think back to that day, the old saying "sweating like a pig" comes to mind. Yet I still had a lot of fun - and judging by this photo - so did Toby!
Why?
Because that's what APDT Rally is all about - building a relationship with your dog and making sure BOTH teammates are having fun. In APDT Rally, not only are you allowed to talk to your dogs and encourage them to succeed - when they do, you can even reward them with a small tidbit of food, or a pat on the head! Plus, you won't see any choke collars or harsh corrections being used at an APDT trial - they're not allowed.
Not to sound too corny, but that's Rally right up my alley.
Unfortunately, on Friday I received word from a talented dog trainer named Peg Munves, (APDT Rally Judge, Trial Host, and former Committee Member), that the Association of Pet Dog Trainers announced on February 1st that they are putting their Rally Program up for sale because it no longer fits in with their mission. Rather than having an outside entity step in and purchase it, a group of APDT Rally enthusiasts are trying to organize a not for profit called RallyNation, so that APDT Rally can stay in the hands of the very people who have helped nurture the sport over the past eleven years (and continue to do so today) - and so that it can stay a truly dog friendly venue.
So if you love APDT Rally as much as I do, please consider joining RallyNation with me.
Here is a copy of the letter that was sent to APDT by Ali Brown and Laurie Williams. Like Peg, they are both APDT Judges, Trial Hosts, and former Committee Members, and both of them also served as board members and rally advisors for the APDT.
Dear Don and Mychelle and Board of Trustees,
In light of the announcement to the APDT Rally committee on Feb. 1 that the current Board of Trustees has decided (unanimously) to "find a new home" for the APDT rally program and that you are "seeking proposals for this change in status," we would like to formally inform you that a group of current APDT Rally officials, trial hosts, exhibitors and dues-paying APDT members have amassed and are in the process of forming a 501c7 not-for-profit association so that we may be that "new home" for what is now the current APDT rally program.
The goal of this new association will be to continue in `The Spirit of APDT Rally' just as it is now, allowing people to continue to develop incredible relationships with their dogs in a positive, dog-friendly, non-punitive manner. This embodies what APDT rally has always been about from its inception, and we want to continue that without interruption. Many of us have spent years promoting and growing this sport. Many of us have been so committed that we've continued to hold trials at a personal financial loss. To us, APDT rally isn't just a dog sport. We have formed life long friendships, liaisons, and created relationships with our dogs that could never be summed up in words. You cannot compare APDT rally to any other dog sport venue. We are unique. WE are a family. It is this passion and commitment that we feel can continue to support, build and grow Rally throughout the country.
Upon initial email inquiry to Executive Director Mychelle Blake about the particulars of the transfer she stated that the goal was to have all the detailed information for the sale in place for all "potential purchasers" to submit proposals "before the end of the month." Because this decision was announced so abruptly and has taken everyone by surprise, in the interest of fairness, we trust that you will allow adequate time for all interested parties to make the necessary preparations and arrangements to be considered.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to further correspondence and information from you about the next step.
Sincerely,
Ali Brown and Laurie Williams
If you would like to be a part of RallyNation, contact either Ali or Laurie directly and let them know:
Laurie Williams OneSmartPooch@aol.com - OR - Ali Brown ali@greatcompanions.info:
Also, please take a moment to hop on over to RallyNation's Petition, give it a read, and consider signing it.
As per Peg, they "Want to send the message to APDT that lots of us want to work this out and we hope they will work with us. Power in numbers. THANKS for considering and for helping APDT retain its wonderful spirit and purpose."
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My Novel's Progress: Edited six chapters out of fifty.
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