Judie Niece decided to give a third chance to the skinny chocolate Labrador Retriever. Her mother had adopted Choco from the Arizona Humane Society two days prior but was ready to return him. He’d jumped her cinder block, six-foot backyard wall too many times. The Humane Society said his previous owner had surrendered him because he was untrainable and an escape artist-he bolted. Judie’s mother feared that no one else would adopt him.
A sucker for Labradors, Judie stepped up. She’d take him home and try to train the thirteen-month-old dog that the Humane Society listed as a Labrador but said might be a mix. After all, she’d trained other dogs not to bolt and had competed at obedience and rally trials, and in the conformation ring with her Labradors. She’d had Labradors all her life and now a fourth would join her family- at least temporarily.
Choco, renamed Charlie, mingled nicely with her three Labradors in her walled-in backyard. But the second time that Judie allowed him into her yard without a leash, he scaled the wall and jumped into the neighbor’s backyard. Judie rushed to the wall and scrambled onto a plastic chair to peer into the adjacent yard. Charlie was about to climb over the neighbor’s far wall. She called him. He turned and jumped over the wall into her backyard.
Judie quickly discovered that Charlie wasn’t at all what she had expected: he was an escape artist, a digger, chewer, not housebroken, leery of men and knew no commands. Soon Charlie bonded with Judie and her Labradors. He stayed. Judie took him to Desert Dog obedience classes where Charlie caught on quickly, so she registered him as Good Grief Charlie Brown with the American Kennel Club (AKC) so he could compete at AKC events.
Charlie earned his Canine Good Citizen certificate and his Rally Novice title. Judie realized Charlie needed more to do.
A friend told Judie about a flyball class at a nearby park. Judie had only heard about flyball, a sport run by the North American Flyball Association (NAFA) and knew that Charlie loved to jump and retrieve balls. In flyball, dogs compete in teams of four, relay style, jumping jumps, triggering the release of a ball, catching the ball and then racing back to the start line over a 51-foot course. The team with the fastest time wins and each dog on a team earn points toward titles.
Judie enrolled Charlie in the eight-week flyball class. At the conclusion of the third class, Charlie was invited to join a competition team. He’s never looked back. Flyball became Judie’s and Charlie’s favorite sport. For Charlie, it’s all about running, jumping and retrieving. Judie enjoys the camaraderie of fellow team members and even competitors on other teams. Charlie has earned a slew of Flyball titles: FD (Flyball Dog), FDX (Flyball Excellent), FDCH (Flyball Champion), FDCH-S (Flyball Champion-Silver), FDCH-G (Flyball Champion Gold), FM (Flyball Master), FMX (Flyball Master Excellent), FMCH (Flyball Master Champion) and ONYX upon obtaining 20,000 points! The AKC recognizes only the FDCH, FM and ONYX titles, all earned by Charlie at the NAFA-run competitions with her team, the K9 Outlaws.
Charlie still needed more to do, so Judie trained him in Agility where, once again, he excelled and earned his novice, open and advanced standard and jumpers titles. He breezed through more difficult Rally classes, accumulating his advanced and excellent degrees. Then he earned his Rally Advanced Excellent title after qualifying ten times in both advanced and excellent classes at the same show.
Over the years, Judie learned Charlie’s phobias. He feared most men but fortunately loved her husband, son-in-law and agility instructor. He hated riding in cars and was scared to death of water.
Judie worked for five years to get Charlie over his fear of water. She introduced him very gradually to water: first a garden hose, then a baby pool which he finally stood in, and finally a friend’s pool that had a very wide first step where he could stand in water up to his elbows. Judie kept Charlie on a leash but stood near him in the pool. Gradually, Charlie’s love to retrieve overtook his fear of water. After he retrieved a ball in the pool, swimming clicked for Charlie. He now loves to swim!
Next, Judie took Charlie to a charity event where they both were introduced to dock diving. That led to classes in Cave Creek, north of Phoenix. In dock diving, dogs jump off a platform after owners throw a dummy or toy over the water. Canines earn titles according to the distance they jump from the dock. Once again Charlie excelled, earning Dock Diving Senior and Dock Diving Senior Advanced titles with the North America Diving Dogs (NADD). In 2016 and 2017, Charlie was among ten dogs in his division to be invited to the NADD/Eukanuba National Championships in Orlando, Florida. In 2016, he ranked as this country’s top senior division veteran distance diving dog and last year, fourth highest. Also in 2017, Charlie was this nation’s third highest distance diving Labrador in his division. Dock Diving is his second favorite sport.
Charlie also tried his paws at Lure Coursing, Carting, and Drafting, earning titles at those events. He also has Barn Hunt titles after competing in barn hunt events where dogs sniff out one or more rats in tubes, depending on the class level, in a hay bale course.
Several friends and acquaintances said that Charlie couldn’t earn obedience titles because he was such an active dog. Once again, Charlie defied disbelievers and earned his Beginner Novice and Companion Dog degrees. Earlier this year, he not only qualified but also placed first in his open classes at three successive shows to receive his Companion Dog Excellent title!
What’s in the future for this dog that has 48 titles and turns ten in August? Charlie already received an invitation to the 2018 Dock Dogs World Championships in Knoxville, Tennessee and has qualified for the 2018 Ultimate Air Games (dock diving) at the Purina Farms Center in Missouri.
Judie would love to have Charlie earn his Barn Hunt Championship but he’s been toying with her. He indicates he’s finished finding all the rodents but leaves one undiscovered. Judie surmises that her “extremely intelligent” partner understands that if he doesn’t qualify that he’ll come out another day to have more fun!
Other canine sports? Judie thinks Charlie would love FAST CAT, a competition where dogs dash over a straight course after a lure and their time is converted to miles per hour. Retriever hunt tests are another option but difficult to train for in the Phoenix area because of the lack of lakes and ponds to practice. And then there are Farm Dog events…
She’d love to have him qualify again for the NADD Dock Diving national championships in Orlando. He didn’t compete at those championships once because he needed surgery to remove a non-cancerous tumor, and last year, he developed bloat on the drive with others to Florida. The 2017 scare required Judie and Charlie to drive home in a rented car. If he qualifies for the championships this year, she’s already decided that she’ll drive her own car and allow time for the unexpected.
Then, there’s flyball which Charlie will continue to compete in. Ever attentive, Charlie still has that “I’m ready, what’s next” look when he watches Judie at home. Good thing that she’s retired from her corporate job.
Judie says Charlie’s “strength, stamina and enthusiasm for ‘being busy’ is what has fueled our journey together. He’s extremely intelligent and we share a strong connection. It’s been such a whirlwind adventure.”
She took a chance when she took in an unplanned rescue dog. Charlie turned out to be “a diamond in the rough.”
Judie wants her one in a million dog to only compete in events that he enjoys. The “untrainable” dog has earned that privilege!
As Judie looks at her once-in-a-lifetime canine, she recalls some words once said about Labradors: for three years they are puppies; three years, adults; three years, seniors; and every day after that is a gift. And that’s what Charlie is to Judie- a gift- and what Judie is to Charlie. Good Grief Charlie Brown!
UPDATE 7/21/18:
Since this post’s original publication, the amazing Charlie has earned more titles: Dock Senior Excellent (DSX) (dock diving) in June and Rat Champion (RATCH) (barn hunt) this month! That brings his total to 50!!
He and Judie Niece, his devoted human and trainer, also have received invitations from three different dock organizations to compete in national dock diving distance competitions later this year.
Judie would love to compete with her boy in the Distance Jump Senior Division during the 2018 NORTH AMERICA Dock Diving/ American Kennel Club Eukanuba National Championships in Orlando, Florida.
But she will also have to decide if Charlie will compete in the Senior Elite/Super Veteran Division class at the 2018 Ultimate Air Dogs’ Games at Purina Farms in Missouri and/or in the Big Air Veteran Dog class at the 2018 Dock Dogs World Championships in Knoxville, Tennessee. Lots of potential travel for this Arizona team!
Good luck Good Grief Charlie Brown!!!
Related Posts: https://www.caryunkelbach.com/akc-performance-events-part-1/
https://www.caryunkelbach.com/akc-sports-for-all-dogs/
https://www.caryunkelbach.com/more-akc-sports-for-purebreds-and-mixed-breeds/
GLOSSARY:
Note: Not all of Charlie’s titles are listed below. Some AKC advanced titles supersede lower level titles. The AKC also doesn’t recognize some titles in a few performance sports that it acknowledges.
AX: Agility Excellent
AXJ: Agility Excellent Jumpers
BN: Beginners Novice
CA: Lure Coursing Ability
CDX: Companion Dog Excellent
CGC: Canine Good Citizen
CGCA: Canine Good Citizen Advanced
CGCU: Canine Good Citizen Urban
CI: Carting Intermediate
CZ8B: Barn Hunt Crazy 8s Bronze
DJ: Dock Diving Junior
DSA: Dock Diving Senior Advanced
MBMX: Multi-breed Master Excellent (flyball)
NDD: Novice Draft Dog
ONYX: Flyball title earned with 20,000 points
RAE: Rally Advanced Excellent
RATM: Barn Hunt Master
TKP: Trick Dog Performer
FEATURED PHOTO of Charlie racing with ball in his mouth during a flyball competition was taken by Gary Michael Flanagan – More Than A Memory Photography:http://garymichaelflanaganphotography.com. Judie Niece, who purchased the photograph as well as the other flyball and dock diving photographs from the named photographers, graciously provided them for this feature article.
Oh my goodness! What a great story! My favorite part is Charlie overcoming his fear of water to the extent that he could compete at the highest levels of dock diving! This might be my favorite blog yet!
So glad you enjoyed Charlie’s and Judie’s story! Quite the duo!!!
Wow!!!! What a great story about an amazing woman and an amazing rescue Labrador. You can get lost with all the titles he has got LOL.! Go Charlie Brown go!!!
Thanks Jola. Yes, both Charlie and Judie are amazing!!
What a great story! Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed the post, Evie!
I loved reading about Charlie. What a great story about what turned out to be a marvelous dog. A diamond in the rough for sure. Thank you for sharing the tales of this super pup.
So glad you enjoyed the post, Sandi. Charlie’s story is so heartwarming. It can only make one smile!
Wonderful story and proof there is a lid for every pot.
Both Judie and Charlie are remarkable! Glad you enjoyed the post.
Who rescued who here? High energy dog that just needed a focus. Just one question: Does he do a couch potato thing occasionally? I got tired just reading about Charlie’s exploits.
Charlie was very fortunate that Judie was willing to take him on. He came with “baggage” including a fear of water and not liking/trusting most men to say nothing about his escape artist talents, chewing and digging. Who knows what he had to deal with in his previous life. The boy settles but comes to attention when he thinks Judie wants him to work and have fun. In that respect, he reminds me of our Ranger who loves the couch but also loves to do something … work, swim, retrieve, play or cuddle with kids!
Thank you Cary for the wonderful feature on my heart dog, Charlie! ❤
We’ve enjoyed the journey, albeit a bit rocky and challenging in the beginning. I’ve learned so much from Charlie and these experiences. I’m anxious to see what’s in store for us in the days to come.
Thank YOU so much for telling me your story with Charlie. Not only are you both remarkable but you also are both inspirations to us, especially to those who think they have an untrainable canine. Charlie found a wonderful home, trainer and companion when he met you and your family, two and four footed. I’ll look forward to hearing about your and Charlie’s future pursuits! Enjoy the boy and please give him some extra pats and maybe a few cookies from all of his fans!
Thank you for your story, I’ve adopted 5 rescue labs from DLRR although they weren’t athletic as your dog they all had hidden attributes that made them great dogs. They just needed love and a good parent to help bring those qualities out. The coment about “ Labradors: for three years they are puppies; three years, adults; three years, seniors; and every day after that is a gift.” really hit home ! Out of the 5 I’ve loss 3 of them to age and illness and it is very true after they became seniors every day after that is a true gift. We were very blessed to have the opportunity to save these dogs and they gave us much love and friendship. Love them as much as you can they always be a part of your heart forever.
Thank you so much for your comments Tony. I am so glad that you have adopted five Labs and that you’ve given them so much love and care. They are the lucky rescue dogs. Your story illustrates the importance of rescue and how taking a chance can work out so well. Keep up the good work and cherish your Labs.
Cary,
I know Judie, and have met Charlie many times but had no idea of his background nor the extent of his achievements. What a great post, and such a wonderful team they are! Loved your story.
Thanks Brenda. I’m glad that you enjoyed the post. Judie is so modest about her boy and her hard work. It’s nice to know that they both adore working together. A remarkable duo!!!
There was a program I used to watch that was based in England. I don’t remember the title but the credo was there are no bad dogs just bad owners. Charlie wasn’t bad dog; he just was bored and needed direction.
I thought about Princess a black lab that some friends of the family had. They weren’t really committed to her and training. She didn’t try to jump fences but she was starved for attention in a way. I loved it when she got to stay with us. She slept with me on the my bed and would snuggle so close. Sadly, the family moved to a home without a fence and had her put down. My dad regretted not bringing her home to us. My dad was always short on foresight and long on regret.
Before someone comments that dogs/cats shouldn’t sleep on the bed: My motto is they can sleep anywhere they want. But then all of our dogs were well behaved and didn’t tear things up.
What a sad story about Velvet. Poor dog. I’m sure you and your dad were both sad that he didn’t bring her home when your friends moved. On a cheerier note, Charlie had a great second mom who realized that the energetic dog was too much for her to handle in her advanced years but she worried what would happen to him if he was returned to the shelter. That’s when daughter Judie stepped in and the rest is history. Judie is a phenominal trainer, and she and Charlie are an extrordinary team!!
Velvet was our Cocker. We lost her to cancer when she was about 14. Princess was the lab. It is sad that her family didn’t want to make the commitment it takes to her.
Adoptees bring baggage with them and it takes time and patience to work through it. Charlie and Judie are a perfect match. Given time and direction Charlie has grown into his full potential with Judie at the helm. Labs are wonderful dogs and loads of fun. There are times I regret not having a yard for a dog to run.
George and I had to work through his idiosyncrasies when I brought him home. He is the first adult cat I adopted so I couldn’t train him from kittenhood.
Ah, sorry for the confusion. And you are correct, adopteees do bring some backage with them as we learned with Max. Time and patience helps them work through their issues for sure!