7 minute read
Chloe Wiseman
– David Margan Our dog world needs the fresh blood of youth. We need to pass on our love, our passion of pure-bred competition, the thrill of the ring, of achievement and the fellowship of like-minded people.
But there are distractions and fashions galore that can attract and distract our young from following in certain family footsteps.
Our advantage is that kids love pets which is a leg up to the task of participation and competition.
A shining example of just such a kid, who may one day be a state or national champion, a judge of renown or tireless organiser, is Chloe Wiseman.
Chloe, at age 12, may be our youngest participant in the dog sport of Agility and she is fiercely focused on climbing the ranks and getting those qualifications.
By her side is a red and white Border Collie known around the home as Leeroy, or more properly, “Kolorko MacAsti Star Leeroy.” He was bred by a long-time family friend, Deirdree Klatt.
“He’s often naughty, like just about every day! Recently he didn’t just dig his way into the vegetable garden but pushed part of the fence over wrecking plants as he went so he could dig holes in the soft black earth and then one night he made this giant racket by running around with a sixmetre irrigation pipe in his mouth,” said Chloe.
But their bond is very strong.
Almost every day Chloe is in the backyard of their acreage property training Leeroy and once a week she goes to the Jimboomba Obedience Club to learn from her peers the art of Agility.
Chloe was just 8 when she asked her parents if she could get a dog of her own but the family departed on a one-year holiday road trip around Australia so that had to wait. When she returned, she started doing Obedience as her Mum, Donna, has specialized in the field for more than 20 years.
Chloe got bored and wanted to do something more active, more intense so along came Agility, Donna told me, “She absolutely loves it and is absolutely determined that she and Leeroy do well and so almost every other day she is out there working with Leeroy.”
Chloe has already mastered the routines of ‘Gamblers’ which doesn’t involve teaching Leeroy how to play poker but is a set sequence of tasks pre-determined by the judge. It usually involves between 3-5 obstacles and when the buzzer sounds you have a set amount of time to handle your dog through this sequence while you stay behind a line anywhere from 15 – 40 feet away.
This is the real challenge for Chloe, “Working Leeroy at a distance while staying behind the line. Improving every time, he competes.”
She is keen to master the same challenge with the Jumpers and Agility aspects of the sport and has already finished first twice, has run second and has had multiple placings in nonqualifying events but according to Mum that is not important, “For Chloe it’s not about winning ribbons it’s about getting those qualifying scores.” Barbara Murfet, our indefatigable promoter of the wonderful world of Dog Sports said this, “We believe it is more about the bond with our dogs and the dog community rather than looking for the ribbons.”
Of Chloe’s passion her parents have been totally supportive. Dad, Steve, takes her to every trial and keeps a keen eye on the backyard training.
Chloe has a mission and its not the fluttering ribbons of success but those qualifying scores that drive her.
When I rang to talk to her, she had to interrupt her household chores and hop off the ride on mower to talk to me.
And as Donna said, “The great thing about Chloe working with dogs is that it has taught her patience, concentration, and emotional resilience. She is quite amazing for her age; she rarely gets flustered but stays calm and focused. It’s just great to watch. And let’s face it, it keeps her out of trouble!”
Barbara Murfet; “The wonderful aspect of our dog world is that Chloe has the support of a village of
mentors who are very caring. They not only share their experiences and knowledge with her but give emotional support and guidance, being positive and just being there.
I asked Chloe what it was about Leeroy she especially liked? “I like everything about him but especially when he gets sookie and wants some affection and he comes and puts his head in my lap.”
They are clearly a team even if the disobedient and naughty Leeroy sometimes frustrates her, as Mum, Donna, explains, “This whole process teaches Chloe discipline, patience, concentration and how to control your emotions when things don’t go according to plan. I have to take my hat off to her, to be at such a young age, so persistent and patient. We’re very proud of her.”
“Dog owners recognise that our dogs are much happier if they have a purpose and dog sports provide many ways, they can lead happy busy lives in our community,” said Barbara Murfet.
And what’s next for Chloe? “I’d like to keep having fun and get to an ‘Elite’ title in Agility and Jumpers, After that, I don’t know, I am only 12 and I don’t look that far ahead.”
But in November Chloe killed it in her Trialling and received her first Qualifier in Novice Agility.
Well done, Chloe and, of course, Leeroy!
2023 Annual Dog Sport Presentation
Sunday 19th January 2023 – 11.00am at Dogs Queensland
Champion Trophies Obedience / Rally / Tracking / Lure Coursing / Track & Search / Agility / Herding / Dances with Dogs Freestyle / Heelwork to Music Grand Champion Trophies Track & Search / Tracking / Obedience Highest Scoring Dogs of the Year Obedience / Lure Coursing / Rally / Trick Dog Highest Scoring Club of the Year Obedience & Tracking / Rally Event is catered by Wags Cafe Buffet two course meal Cost: TBA Payment made via Show Manager Drinks are additional Please note this is a licensed venue – no BYO Raffle – National & State Trials Committee Prize for Best Dressed club table
Our last event was booked out! Please indicate the club table you wish to be seated at or ask your club secretary to confirm table numbers. theyoungs4@bigpond.com or 0419653076
Dogs Queensland Show Bag/Puppy Packs Now Only $15
Dogs Queensland have additional stocks of Show Bags for sale. Priced at the reduced price of only $15.00 (plus postage), these bags make perfect Puppy Packs. Each value-packed bag contains: • Nexgard Spectra Tick, Flea and Worm Chewable (size to suit your dog) • Plush Puppy 100ml O.M.G Multi Purpose Grooming Spray • Royal Canin Educ Nutritional Supplement 50g • EAC Animal Care Pre-biotic 20g • Dog Toy – one only • Hair Remover or Royal Canin Spray Bottle Dogs Queensland • Dogs Queensland Water Bottle • Dogs Queensland Calendar and Carry Bag To purchase a bag simply visit the Office at Durack from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday or alternatively email Pina at pina@dogsqueensland.org.au.
Dogs Queensland Calendars: Free With Shop Purchase
Starting Monday 12 December 2023, every Member who makes a purchase at the Dogs Queensland Shop will receive a complimentary 2023 Calendar. Select from a wide range of Royal Canin and Eukanuba dog food, Plush Puppy products, DQ Caps, Show Bag/Puppy Packs and an assortment of toys. Additional Calendars can be purchased for only $5 and would make ideal Christmas stocking fillers.
This offer is available to in-office purchases (8am to 5pm Monday to Friday) and phone orders. Only while stocks last.
DOGS QUEENSLAND LOVES DOG TALES
Members are invited to submit dog related stories of interest for inclusion in upcoming issues of our Dog World magazine. All canine topics are accepted whether they be unusual, quirky or factual and can include ‘pawfriendly’ walks and cafes, heart-warming tales or antics while in lockdown to name a few. Dogs Queensland would like to showcase your dog’s story to the wider canine community. To see your story published simply send it through tobarbara@dogsqueensland.org.au
