Walter O’Brien

Who or what influenced your interest in Dogs and Dog Events?

The first person who influenced me was my first mentor, Patty Gailey. Patty was able to do both conformation and obedience with her dogs. Patty was able to get a UDX as well as a CH on her Pembroke Welsh Corgis and that really motivated me to be able to put titles on both ends of my dogs. The other things that influenced me to put titles on my corgis where is the knowledge that they were so capable of doing so much.

How long have you been participating with your Dogs?

I have been in dogs since 1996, I first started in conformation and then slowly moved over two obedience as a compliment in the early 2000s.

What Breeds have you owned?

I have owned Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Cardigan Welsh Corgi and a Miniature Poodle.  The breed that I really love though is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.  The Pembrokes really are a breed that “checks all the boxes” for me.

What are your Goals?

My number one goal right now is to finish a UD on one of my Pembroke Welsh Corgis.  After that, my goals are to get my judging license in obedience and to continue to show you know be Obedience and Rally.

What is your favorite Memory involving a Dog

My favorite memory involving one of my dogs is when my first Pembroke Welsh Corgi almost won the Pembroke Welsh Corgi national specialty in 2005.  Next to that would be when Sophie placed at Rally Nationals last December in Orlando FL.

What events they’ve attended

I have been to Westminster for the Westminster Kennel Club dog show and that is the one event that most everyone I know can relate to. Equally important to me he is having attended the Pembroke Welsh Corgi National Specialty.  I have also attended multiple Rally National Championships, AKC Obedience Classics and AKC National Championship.

Contributions to LSDOC

As a former AKC Delegate, I listen into the AKC Delegate forum.  I also am Judges Hospitality for the First LSDOC shows coming up next year,

Favorite Location where you have shown your Dog

I actually have two favorite locations for dog shows. The first location is Orlando FL. The entire scene in December at the Orlando Convention Center with the dog show and being with all my friends is the highlight of my year.  While it is a large, noisy, crowded environment, the whole week of activities it’s something I look forward to. The second location that I have to mention is Winston Salem NC. The Winston Salem Dog Training Club is probably my favorite club that I do not belong to. I have judged for them several times and I’ve shown there several times and every time is always fun.  The facility, while small rerally fits my eye for a near perfect dog show site.