Seacret

Deborah and Seacret

The most challenging dog I ever owned has changed my life forever. Because my dog was so difficult I had to seek out knowledge to help him. I became an obedience instructor to share the information I gained to help other dogs and owners. In researching ways to help my dog I was introduced to the sport of freestyle. It was wonderful for my dog and once again he was inspirational in motivating me to start not only freestyle classes but also a freestyle club that hosts shows. It did not take me long to see there were many misunderstood dogs that needed help and I was asked to host monthly public seminars at the York SPCA to solve dog problems and keep them in their homes and I was also asked train the shelter dogs. Every success my dog had motivated me to continue to help other dogs and every time my dog demonstrated his abilities at a dog show, people that knew his story were equally motivated to help their dogs. I am thankful every day that I had not only the chance to learn so much from my dog, but to be able to use that information to help others. Seacret was born on September 7, 1996 and came to live with me in York PA. He is a wonderful guy with a sense of humor and a spirit of adventure. Seacret was my first Border Collie and from the start I was completely enchanted by him. I was a very inexperienced trainer and I set my goals high because after all everyone knows that Border Collies are the smartest dogs in the world and there is nothing they can't do. Seacret had lots of drive and I liked that. I thought his sight and sound issues would disappear with age and training so I dismissed those issues from my training plan. I am convinced our instructors were also mystified as how best to deal with the sight and sound issues because I heard many times, "you better get that under control" but was given no instructions on how to accomplish it. We walked and played ball but no amount of exercise could put a dent in Seacret's problem. Corrections were immediately forgotten. Seacret took a lot of pleasure barking and chasing things that moved or made a sound. Over the years we were offered plenty of advice from well meaning people who did not have a clue what Seacret was really like or how hard I tried to fix the problem. Sometimes I felt that we were outcasts but I continued to love my dog no matter what. Seacret is a very loyal and loving dog who has been by my side through ups and downs. I cannot imagine my life without him. Seacret has always been a happy worker and in spite of my inadequacies we earned titles. In March 2001 we earned our CGC from AKC. In August 2002 we earned our Companion Dog title from UKC and in November 2002 I was thrilled to earn our Companion Dog title from AKC. The advanced obedience exercises were a problem because of Seacret's reactiveness so we tried our hand at Rally obedience. In July 2003 we earned our Rally Level 1 with a Magna Cum Laude from APDT. In October 2003 we earned our Novice Agility title from AKC. Seacret startled in our last agility trial and fell off the dog walk so I decided not to pursue agility because it was too difficult for him. Waiting on the line to start the run was agony and when I saw how easily he could become distracted, I decided his safety and happiness meant a lot more to me than any title. We got introduced to the WCFO (World Canine Freestyle Organization) and both got hooked on it. I discovered that Seacret is very creative and he choreographed most of our freestyle routines. Once again we were back in the ring having fun and earning titles. In January 2005 we earned our Freestyle Dog title in Heelwork to Music from WCFO. In July of 2005 we earned our Freestyle Dog title in Musical Freestyle from WCFO. I learned that Seacret preferred music with a fast beat, but light on the percussion. Those pounding drums set off his reactive meter. He also heard and reacted to a shutter click of a camera so we had to request no pictures during our performances. In January 2006 we earned our Freestyle Dog Excellent title in Musical Freestyle from WCFO and in November 2007 our Freestyle Dog Master title. The freestyle and his maturity were having positive effects on Seacret and we started to show in obedience again. The show, where we earned the first leg of our CDX, showcased Seacret's exceptional work ethic. The moving exercises were done with teamwork and enthusiasm. The out-of-sight stays were our most difficult exercise. I instructed Seacret to sit and stay and I left with the group of handlers as directed by the ring stewards. I was thinking really hard, "Seacret keep your butt glued to the ground" but barely 10 seconds into the exercise I heard a dog bark, someone shouting, feet running and I knew something was wrong. After what seemed to be a lifetime but was really only 3 minutes we were invited back to the ring. I saw the dog next to Seacret pulled out of the lineup and Seacret looked to be in a slightly different position than when I left him. The judge called "exercise finished" and explained to me that the dog next to Seacret got up, moved to him and barked right in his face. Seacret barked back and moved a little but remained calm and sitting when they removed the other dog so the judge felt he qualified on the sit / stay. Although the down / stay was uneventful it showed Seacret's incredible courage and determination to try to the best of his ability to do what I asked of him. A month later we earned the second leg of our CDX. During the out-of-sight stays a dog got loose and was running around the show and someone dropped a heavy metal pot. My brave Seacret's only reaction was to turn his head to look at the clock behind him as if saying, "How much longer do I have to stay". In September 2007 I entered Seacret in a trial with 2 rally shows on Saturday and 2 obedience trials on Sunday. On Saturday September 2007 we earned our Rally Novice title from AKC. By this time we had two legs of our CDX and in the morning trial on Sunday we earned our CDX. But my Seacret was again tested beyond what any dog should have to endure. The dog next to him was an American Stafford who kicked his feet at Seacret during the stays and rolled towards him. So at eleven years of age Seacret earned his CDX and I have never been more proud of my friend and teammate. In November 2009 at age 13, dancing to 'Another You' by the Seekers, Seacret earned his Musical Freestyle Championship from WCFO. It was against all odds that my miraculous dog would ever have the self-control to do anything let alone earn so many titles in a variety of dog sports. I know that Seacret earned the championship for me because he knew how important it was to me. What a guy. I absolutely love him with all my heart. I never thought that Seacret would want to retire but that day has come. Seacret prefers to nap in my bed and let the younger dog carry the torch. I had so much fun working with Seacret and I learned so very much more from him than he ever learned from me. Above all I learned how to laugh and to be adventurous from my amazing Seacret.