the First Decoy Formation and Selection for ARF

[RickR]

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in this event for 5 of the most enjoyable days I've ever experienced in Ringsport.To place anyone first or last would be a disservice to everyone, so here it goes in no particular order.
Windmill Kennels and Schutzhund club went above and beyond to assist us in making this event a reality, their spirit of camaraderie, and willingness to help is seldom seen in this country, it is this attitude that all of us should have in growing and promoting all dog sports. it seems to be a rare thing to get dog people together, especially from different disciplines and do it just for the dogs and the sport. A personal thanks to Rheta, Mark,and Chef Rich who spent all day for 5 days cooking, making sure everyone had breakfast and lunch everyday. thanks to Penny and Marvin for all your help. Windmill ScH Club ROCKS!

West Palm Dog Sports, the hosting club, did a fantastic job of organizing this event to assure everything ran smoothly, Thanks to Frankie Cowen, Jenna, Big Mike, and Allison(who maybe an upcoming superstar in the suit. She has great natural technique, and presence, and now quite a few new leg tattoos)

The Jury, Camille Tisserand, Mark Villain, and Bob Solomini, you guys did a great job!

The Candidates, 6 did the Formation, 4 went on to do the selection and 2 were selected. there were no gifts and you guys earned it. Normally a formation is done in one day and the selection is done a month later, giving everyone time to recover physically, and to improve any deficiencies. These guys basically did 3 formations in 3 days, every day started with a different written test, then the complete physical fitness test, then technique training and then working dogs, Saturday started as the others but no physical fitness test, instead each decoy worked a complete Ring 1 program followed by a complete Ring 3 Program with no break and an oral exam for each exercise to shown they could apply their knowledge of the rules under stress and on the field. The dogs these decoys worked are the best French Ring dogs in the United States, and every decoy improved everyday, individually and as a group. the team spirit was impressive, and everyone was helping each other. A special thanks to Eduardo Loyola who is already a level 2 decoy and the winner of the 2008 decoy Super Selection. Eduardo put on his suit and ran alongside every candidate during the physical fitness exercises to motivate them (Eduardo will be decoying internationally in Mexico next month, you are an inspiration to all of us)

Sunday, fatigue and injuries set in and when it was over 2 were selected, there should be no discouragement from the others that did the selection, you improved everyday, and you NEVER QUIT you should be proud of your progress, We ARE! and as Marc said your attendance at the formation is good for 1 year and there is NO doubt that you will pass the next selection.

Congratulations to Rey Alomar and Ian Gresch, your journey as a decoy has begun, and you have the same foundation and training as the best in the world.

Thanks to the handlers who participated, and a special thanks to the dogs, although they probably enjoyed it more than anyone. 5 days of no jumps, no breaking in exercises, just BITE, BITE, BITE,!

Video coming soon!