Interview with Kori Bevis, handler of a Golden Retriever known as “Baker,” the 2022 AKC Obedience Classic Winner.
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Kori Bevis: I have competed in AKC Obedience for 20 years. I discovered the sport through taking my first dog to Basic Obedience classes. I had competed with horses as a child, and guessed that there might be competitions that I could do with my new dog, too. I quickly fell in love with the sport and all its challenges.
Kori Bevis: The Obedience event in Orlando is called the AKC Obedience Classic. The AKC National Obedience Championship was held in July 2022 in Wilmington, Ohio. “Baker” won BOTH major events in 2022! No dog has ever won both events in the same calendar year before.
My strategy at the AKC Obedience Classic in Orlando was simply to focus on my own dog and make sure he had everything he needed from me to do his best in the competition. Due to great genetics, Baker is an exceptionally focused and energetic dog who loves to work. This definitely gives him an advantage in longer tournaments like the Obedience Classic and the National Obedience Championship, where many dogs typically get tired. Every time I show him, Baker truly exhibits the “utmost in willingness and enjoyment” called for by the AKC Obedience rulebook, and he is a joy to show.
Kori Bevis: I also compete in AKC Hunt Tests; Baker has earned his Senior Hunter (SH) title. I believe every dog should have a chance to participate in the activity that his breed was bred for. Baker loves working in Obedience, but if it were up to him, I’m sure he would choose retriever field work every time. It’s in his blood and he loves it!
Baker loves working in Obedience, but if it were up to him, I’m sure he would choose retriever field work every time. It’s in his blood and he loves it!
American Kennel Club (AKC)
