American Kennel Club Canine Partners (discount for students)

By Penny Leigh

AKC Canine Partners Program Manager

Sherman’s owners just wanted their newly adopted puppy to learn some manners when they enrolled him in obedience class.

At least that was the only goal until the day the instructor rolled out a tunnel.

“Sherman was hooked immediately and wouldn't stop running back and forth through the tunnel,” said Dr. Kara Malone, DVM, who owns Sherman with her husband Michael.

After they caught Sherman, the Malones realized the mixed-breed puppy was a natural prospect for the sport of agility.

“Once he had enough basic obedience learned, we started him in agility training,” Kara said.

Sherman matured into a leggy dog that can clear 26-inch jumps with ease and who, indeed, excelled at agility trials. In agility, dogs run an obstacle course consisting of jumps, tunnels, weave poles, see-saws and more and are judged on accuracy and speed.

 “He loves every minute of class and competition,” Kara said.

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