In addition to winning dozens of Best in Show Titles and the Pro Plan® Champions Cup, Agador, a Doberman Pinscher from Easton, Connecticut, walked away with the Working Group crown at the 2007 National Dog Show presented by Purina®. Linda Krukar, who has been nominated for Best Owner-Handler by Dogs in Review magazine, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her extraordinary Dabney Doberman champion.
Q. How did Agador come into your life?
A. Agador was born at home and never left. He let us know from the start that he was planning to stay, even though our plans were to keep his sister. A friend of ours came to look at Agador, but really wanted a girl, so Agador stayed.
Q. What was your Doberman like as a puppy?
A. Agador was an outgoing, happy, laid-back puppy. He loved to get into the baby pool and walk around and drink the water. Agador enjoyed lying on his back with all four feet in the air, something that he still enjoys doing!
Q. Was your Doberman easy to train?
A. Agador is so smart and loves anything new. Typical boy, his attention span could be very short! Once he learned his first trick, which was ‘catch’, he wanted to learn more. He even made up his own tricks. He likes to show off when he’s in the ring and can sit up, give you five, shake either paw, and do other tricks.
Q. How much training did it take to put Agador in dog shows?
A. Show puppies start their training as soon as they can walk. We make the training into games, so they think about showing as play. Agador made his first appearance in the show ring at 7 months. We taught him to catch treats, which taught him to stand still and look alert. Since he liked getting pats, he enjoyed it when the Judges would examine him.
Q. What makes your Doberman a champion?
A. His conformation and temperament. He’s built right, so the parts all fit together the way they should. When he moves, he covers ground most efficiently and with very little effort. His temperament allows him to show himself off. He exudes confidence and carries himself like a star. He’s happy and loves to show off, which makes any dog look their best.
Q. Does Agador like competing?
A. He loves competing and loves to ‘work the crowd’. He puffs himself up and really struts like a proud Dabney Doberman when he hears the applause.
Q. What is it like being in a dog show?
A. Dog shows are exciting, exhilarating and scary all at the same time. I want him to look and perform just right, have fun, and do his best. The shows with the big crowds and cameras have such high energy; it seems to be contagious to the dogs.
Q. How do you communicate with your dog?
A. Agador and I are a team. We communicate through our eyes, through body language, expressions and the lead. We know each other inside and out. We even think alike sometimes!! There’s no question that we understand each other, although sometimes we don’t agree!!
Q. What is your champion Doberman like as a pet?
A. This dog is the greatest pet! He loves to greet people. He will adamantly poke at you until you pet him. Agador always brings you a ‘gift’ when he sees you – his favorite stuffed toy. Agador is a pet first and a show dog second!
Q. Does Agador know he’s a champion?
A. He knows he’s special and loves for people to praise him. He seems to understand when they like him and cheer for him. The way he struts, I’m sure he knows he's a champion!
To learn more about Agador and Dabney Dobermans, visit his web site!
More stories about dog shows and show dogs
National Dog Show
Living the Show Dog Life