Billie Moorehead
Staff Reporter

Not only is Tammie Calvert a NIACC student, but a teacher also.

For eight years Calvert has been involved in training and raising show dogs.

"I have fun doing showing my dogs," Calvert said. "There's a lot of team work involved between the owner and dog."

Calvert owns four dogs, a German short hair pointer, Barney, and three English Setters.

The Pointer competes in obedience and agility competitions at the Mason City Kennel Club and the North Iowa Agility Club.

One English Setter, Dreamer Boy, has already earned the title of Champion.

Another English Setter, Angel is showing presently.

The other English Setter, Star, cannot show because of an illness.

Calvert's interest in show dogs started with an advertisement in the paper that caught Calvert's eye, followed by the viewing of a demonstration tape. Calvert said she then decided to purchase her first dog, Barney.

"The first time I was in the ring I won. I've had a lot of success," Calvert said. Calvert's awards include one champion and nine agility awards.

When dogs compete, they earn points each time they win. Fifteen total points eam the dog the title of Champion.

The accomplishments keep Calvert going, however, winning alone is not Calvert's focus. Instead she said she is pleased when she gets her dogs to do what they're trained for in competition.

Calvert's dogs compete in several different areas.

When competing in obedience, a dog needs to demonstrate how well it is trained.

Judges examine the command of heel, come and walking a pattern.

Then the dogs are put into groups, and told to sit for one minute.

Confimmation dog showing includes the dog's appearance and structure.

Judges examine the dog's movement, teeth and whole body.

Then the dogs walk down and back, while judges look for the right movement of the body and legs.

Calvert has attended classes at the Mason City Kennel Club, and attended various dog shows. "I've been interested in dogs, but I could never have one because my mom was allergic. I had to wait until I was married and out of the house," Calvert said.

Calvert started out showing Angel as a pup. Then decided to hire a handler to show Angel.

"I needed points, and started to get serious," Calvert said.

There are many benefits to having a handler according to Calvert.

"I like to watch my own dog show. I get a better picture of what my dog is doing," Calvert said.

Jenny West shows Calvert's dog, Angel. According to Calvert, Angel shows better for West than Calvert.

Although all her dogs live with Calvert, only one is allowed to sleep with her at night by her husband's request.

When taking a nap though, Calvert said at least two or three join her.

The hardest part with having a number of dogs, according to Calvert, is raising the pups. "They get into everything. It's like four kids," Calvert said.

Next summer, Calvert said she plans on breeding Angel, her English Setter with a male from Ohio.

The puppies are already sold. Many of Calvert's friends have shown interest in Angel, and already want the pups.

Calvert's pure bread pups will go for $700.

When breeding, the male needs good eyes, orthopedic foundation association hips and elbows, thyroid and heart, according to Calvert.

When purchasing a pup, Calvert also said she looks at facial features, temperment of the dog and movement.

Barney cost Calvert $100. Calvert said the most she has ever spent on a pup was $800. Calvert said that she estimates that she has spent up to $4,000 - $5,000 on not only the cost of the dog but also entry fees, food, handlers and other costs.

According to Calvert, pups run up to $1200, depending on how big the dog will get, and the type of dog.

Calvert devotes a lot of time, energy and money into her dogs.

"I want to do what's best for my dogs," said Calvert.