Meet Kathleen Keller & Willie – Masters Obedience Championship Winners

Meet Kathleen Keller & Willie – Masters Obedience Championship Winner

1. Congratulations on your big win at the 10th Annual Westminster Masters Obedience Championship! How did it feel to give that memorable demo at Madison Square Garden?

Kathleen Keller: It was magical. I was so very proud of Willie! Despite the crowd, all the lights and the noise, he was not nervous at all when we set up for the demo. He did a beautiful Drop on Recall and joyfully retrieved his dumbbell. He even got a little silly, retrieving his leash. I could not have asked for more from him.

2. How did you get started in the sport? How long have you been training and competing?

Kathleen Keller: I started with two Shetland Sheepdog puppies in a pet obedience class, and one of those puppies became my first competition dog. I have been competing in Obedience for 30 years. During that time, I have had Shelties, Aussies, Tollers, and Papillons. All of them were trained and most of them were shown. I have (4) UDs, (4) OTCHs, and my youngest, another Sheltie, just earned her CDX.

3. What is it about Obedience that has encouraged you to compete at the highest level?

Kathleen Keller: It is the challenge of getting precision and accuracy without sacrificing motivation. I love training! Competing at trials helps me to set my training goals.

4. What makes Willie such a steady partner? Would you say his being an Australian Shepherd has something to do with it?

Kathleen Keller: It is his ability to stay focused on me to the point that the environment around us disappears. Australian Shepherds are known to be “Velcro Dogs” and Willie is true to that trait. We have an inseparable bond.

5. Do you have any advice to offer someone who would like to get started in Obedience?

Kathleen Keller: Find joy in the journey. Titles and ribbons don’t come easy in Obedience. It takes time and dedication, but the reward is 100-fold. My dogs have taught me just as much as I have taught them. Along the way, you develop a partnership with your dog that is demonstrated in the ring.