Debbie Bridgefarmer

Like most of us, I have had dogs all my life – a Cocker Spaniel, several Miniature Poodles, a Collie, a Sheltie and a Golden Retriever. Then in 1989 a friend gave me a Border Collie. On our first Vet visit I was advised that I might want to sign up for an Obedience class. So I enrolled in a puppy class with a 12 week old Border Collie. She, of course, was the star of the class so we moved on to the Basic class. But things went downhill with her behavior and I left the final class in tears and was giving up. However, I had seen the dogs working in the Open class and I thought the jumping and retrieving was the coolest thing I had ever seen. (this is where I met Peggy, Nancy and Zelda) So with the guidance and support of a Village, my Novice A dog, Maggie, earned her OTCH. I was hooked!

In the meantime, I rescued a 14 week old Border Collie, Annie, and began the journey with her. She too earned an OTCH and holds the favorite memory spot by earning a 200 in Utility on the last weekend we competed.
Then came my wildman, Jack. He was my most willing partner and loved to show. But as the Judge said the day we finished our OTCH, ” he was either really good or really bad”. I agreed.

My next Border Collie, Dazzle, was my first Breed Champion and earned her UDX. She loved everyone and everything and could light up the room.

I’m now training my best buddy, Tag, and working on his CDX. Competing is not his favorite thing but we keep training and will get back in the ring soon.

In between my Hobby of showing dogs, in 1994 I opened Good Dog Obedience School with the purpose of helping pet dog families learn how to help their dogs become good citizens. I did in-home private lessons and if that was too much for the busy family, the dog came home with me for a board and train. After 25 years I have retired from a very rewarding and fun career.

Obedience is a game of patience, perseverance, and lots of hard work. I Love It!

I’m excited to be a part of LSDOC and look forward to helping promote dog sports.