Pedigree Health Clearances Videos: Side Gait - Down & Back
Born May 2, 2006 at Shadetree Kennels in Martinsville, VA. Shadetree Kennels is owned by Cathy and Paul Cooper. Cathy, the current President of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, has been breeding and showing Swissies for approximately 25 years. Jethro is the second Swissy we have acquired from Shadetree – Indi was our first.
Jethro’s dam and sire are CH. Shadetree’s Let Freedom Ring and CH. Willow Whsppalm Smarty Jones, respectively.
We brought Jethro home when he was 8 weeks old, and immediately began socializing and exposing him to all aspects of obedience, agility and drafting. We believe the first key to successful training is early exposure with lots of rewards and praise to build confidence in the puppy.
With the goal of one-day earning a Utility obedience title on Jethro, Steve introduced Jethro to picking up metal articles by stuffing peanut butter into metal tea balls so that Jethro would have a positive association with picking up metal articles. And, with the intention of putting draft titles on Jethro, we introduced him to the cart at 10 weeks of age by putting him in his wire puppy crate in a two-wheeled dog cart. Ava and Walt pulled the cart with Jethro in his crate all around Hinckley Lake and the horse farm behind our house. Steve also wanted to get Jethro introduced to agility equipment while he was a puppy, so he enrolled him in a beginners’ agility class specifically for puppies.
Jethro earned his first performance title at the age of 14 months – his Rally Novice title. From that day on, there was no stopping Jethro and Steve.
Below are the performance titles Jethro has amassed:
Jethro earned his VGS (Versatility Greater Swiss) October 4, 2008 and his VGSX (Versatility Greater Swiss Excellent) September 5, 2009.
Jethro’s numerous titles are evidence that he is a very biddable dog. He has a calm, confident, and steady temperament. He has a strong desire to please. He is lovingly devoted to his owners and his canine pack. Jetho’s favorite place is next to Steve, and for all his performance success, loves to “chill” around the house, usually in the same room as his owners.
Jethro has also enjoyed excellent health, passing all health clearances and rating OFA “Excellent” hips. We are extremely fortunate to have Jethro as a member of our family.
