Shelter Dog Is First Mixed Breed In Alaska To Earn U.K.C. U-CD Title

By Pat Kalbaugh
Juneau, Alaska

When Mona Sanneman adopted Pebbles from the Gastineau Humane Society, she had no plans to earn an Obedience title. She knew that she wanted a medium size dog. Because she worked full time, she didn't want a puppy. Pebbles, then a year old and a half old, was "dropped off" at the Gastineau Humane Society with her six week old litter of pups. Mona felt so sorry for her that she went back and adopted Pebbles after initially rejecting her as a prospect. That turned out to be a very good choice.

Although Pebbles' heritage is unknown, obedience judge Lynette Gandl described her as, "An Australian Cattle Dog in disguise". Pebbles may look a little like she has some other breed in her but if you've ever watched her herding her best friend, Taku, or chasing a frisbee, you would think that she is all ACD (Heeler). When the United Kennel Club (UKC) began accepting spayed/neutered mixed breed dogs into their performance events, Obedience and Agility, Pebbles and Mona were almost ready. They earned their first two legs at Capital Kennel Club of Juneau's '95 Spring Trials and just earned their final leg in September '95 making Pebbles the first Mixed Breed to earn a UKC U-CD in Alaska!

"An Australian Cattle Dog in disguise"

Pebbles and Mona also earned the distinction of being the first team to earn a U-CD (United-Companion Dog title) that began with Capital Kennel Club's Basic/Beginners class and continued training through Novice and Open. This is not Mona's first dog but this is the first dog that Mona has ever trained beyond basic house manners.

The team is getting ready for Open in the spring and are already working on the Utility exercises for the future. Mona says that she has to keep Pebbles from becoming bored while the Human portion of the team perfects her handling for the ring. Adding new exercises keep Pebbles' mind working. Mona trains Pebbles using positive motivational methods. She will sometimes hide a squeaky toy in her pocket and break it out during an "exercise" and allow Pebbles to chase the toy. Pebbles always brings it back for more and Mona usually obliges her. Pebbles thinks training time is fun time. She is a happy working dog and is extremely willing to please Mona. Both prefer being allowed to "play" while they are training. Incorporating play into training is the key to keeping most dogs, and handlers, from becoming bored. It also cements the bond between handler and dog. Mona and Pebbles are an example of how well that philosophy works.

Mona has also served as CKCOJ Treasurer, teaches Novice classes, assists at Basic classes, works full time and still finds time to train Pebbles in bits and pieces, sometimes setting up the jumps in her living room or retrieving in the hallway if the weather is nasty. She attends club meetings and practices, is one of the members of the "Dances With Dogs" drill team and takes Pebbles to classes when they are offered. Mona designed the very attractive Capital Kennel Club logo. She is also an active participant on the Australian Cattle Dog E-Mail list and entered Pebbles in the World Wide Web's First Virtual Dog Show where dogs are judged on their conformation. Pebbles obtained a Merit placing in a large mixed breed group! Mona and Pebbles are a very busy team.

Congratulations, U-CD Pebbles and Mona Sanneman for a job well done. Keep on dancing, training and having fun.