Meet Connie Apling

I have always had a great passion for animals, and had a variety of “critters” as I was growing up.

 In 1969 I began training and competing with Arabian horses, earning several Regional and National honors. In 1995 I made the transition to competing with dogs, and have earned numerous titles in agility, obedience, herding, and conformation.

My previous and current Doberman Pinchers are:

‘Tiko’ was my first Doberman. He taught me about unconditional love, and introduced me to the world of dog events. It’s because of him that I am here today, doing what I love – taking care of dogs, and introducing others to the wonderful world of “dogs.”  I owe it all to him. Thank you Tiko, for being my teacher and friend.

 ‘Tori’ earned the Obedience title of CDX (Companion Dog Excellent), a Herding title, and several Agility titles. In 2001, Tori placed 6th at the AKC National Agility Championship. She acquired her MACH4 (Master Agility Champion, the fourth time) in 2004, and was ranked the #1 Doberman in Agility in 2001, 2004, and 2005. Sleep softly, till we meet again.

‘Ti’ came to us as shortly after we lost Tiko. He was in a shelter, terribly thin, and not doing well. We agreed to take him in as a “foster” and nurse him back to health. As we healed Ti, he healed our broken heart. Needless to say he stayed, and became our Couch Potato Extraordinare. Ti is now with Tiko and Tori.

‘Toddi’ is a Breed Champion; she has earned a MACH6, and won the Doberman National Top Twenty Agility Competition in 2005. Toddi was ranked the #1 Doberman in Agility in 2006, and 2007. Toddi also earned her Obedience CD (Companion Dog) title. She is now enjoying retirement.

‘Kei’ is also a Breed Champion, and had spent about a year on the road campaigning as a “special”. She earned several Breed wins and Group placements. In 2008 she was in the Doberman National Top Twenty Confirmation Competition. Kei has just started her Agility career, and shows great potential.

‘Bolt’ came to be with us in May of this year. I went to an agility trial in Omaha, NE, and came home with him. He was turned in as a “not want” there at the Nebraska Humane Society. One look at his sweet face, and I knew the boy was coming home with me. Bolt has blended into our family, and has found his forever home.

 I have been actively involved with Doberman Rescue since 1995, helping with transportation, placement, fostering, and evaluation of Dobermans.

 I have worked with a wide variety of dogs evaluating temperament and modifying behavioral problems, and in my daycare have breeds ranging from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane. I am a certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) evaluator for AKC, offering testing throughout the year. I have taken and passed the American Red Cross Pet First Aid class. Each year I attend several seminars throughout the United States furthering my education in all aspects of dogs, be it behavior, safety, nutrition, health, obedience, or agility.

agility | obedience | dog daycare | Meet Connie Apling

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