NAIA's Li'l Pardners
The ancient bond between people and dogs is a wondrous marvel to behold. From
the simple joys of companionship, to the most complex working partnerships between
people and service dogs, working dogs, and dogs in sports and entertainment,
this bond has a way of connecting us to timeless values.
Socialization and basic training are the foundations for this connection. A
well-socialized dog with good manners is a treasured family pet and a significant
community asset. Best of all, good socialization and training programs are stepping-stones
to fun and life-long companionship. The elements that produce wonderful family
companions and good canine citizens also lay the groundwork for advanced work
in pet-assisted therapy, obedience and agility competition, search and rescue,
law enforcement, and other human-canine partnerships.
Anyone who is willing to give a dog the attention, training and love he deserves
will be rewarded with a devoted friend for life. To demonstrate this bond in
action and show that well-trained dogs will give us all we ask and more, NAIA
and renowned dog trainer Ann Austin have launched NAIA's Li'l Pardners. These
are teams of dogs and owners who demonstrate everything from basic obedience
to square dancing routines in a lively entertaining format. Li'l Pardners also
sends the more serious message that pet training and socialization are essential
for good community attitudes toward dogs and dog ownership.
Trained by Ann Austin of Austin Animal Actors, Li'l Pardners confirms the potential
of canine socialization and good citizenship through performances guaranteed
to bring a smile to the sternest countenance. Their work also underlines the
importance of training as the key to joyful and successful dog ownership.
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| NAIA's original Li'l Pardners team members (left to right): Elsa Brett
and Riley, her Golden Retriever; Tony Sansone and Wrigley, his Airedale;
Gwendy Kem and Einstein, her Bernese Mountain Dog;Toni Drugmand and Stetson,
her red Doberman Pinscher; Ann Austin and Buddy, her Standard Poodle. Ann
calls the dances, but sometimes she and Buddy even join in dance. Li'l Pardners
wishes to thank Vicki Hearne, the acclaimed dog advocate and poet for her
assistance and consultancy in developing this wonderful program. |
Buddy has his CD in obedience and is training for his CDX. Riley has a CD and
is a certified therapy dog. Stetson has three CDs, two CDXs, one leg on a UD
and a working certificate; and is a certified therapy dog. Wrigley has a CD
and is in training for a CDX. Einstein is trained at all three levels of obedience
and has earned two legs toward a CD as he begins competing for titles. |
