Road to AENC:Part 4 of 4–Previous Champion Spotlight

Heylne Medeiros- Holly’s owner

Her name is CH, Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, aka “Holly”, and she is a beautiful Pointer.  She took Best in Show at last year’s AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.  What an exciting year!  We had a chance to catch up with Holly’s owner to find out more about Holly’s latest litter of puppies (4/18/09) and if there are any future stars among the group.  For more photos and information about Seasyde Champions, click here to visit their site. 

Q: We’re all excited to see Holly’s puppies compete. Can you tell us about them?

They are all very sweet, outgoing and want to learn and please. They have outstanding temperaments!  

Q: How many of the puppies will be competing at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship this year?

There are three of Holly’s puppies entered in this year’s show. Two boys, Seasyde Remington “Remy” (owned by Justin and Joanna Stebbins of Calif. and myself) and Seasyde Harbor Lights “Teos” (co-owned by Monique Latteier of Utah and me) will be at the show as well as one girl, Seasyde Hollywood “Rodayo” (co-owned by breeders Sean and Tamara McCarthy of New York and me). Rodayo lives with me and her mother Holly and brother Drew in Cape Cod, Mass. 

Q: Can you already see a champion in the making in any of the puppies? Do they remind you of Holly at that age?

Yes, I see a champion in several of the puppies. Certain traits in each puppy remind me of their mother and grandfather who I own and showed. I won Specialties with Holly before she went to be shown by professional handler, Michael Scott. I also showed the puppies’ grandfather who I won National Specialties and all breed Best in Shows with, years back. So to be able to watch these puppies mature so beautifully is really special for me. 

Q: Training a puppy can be challenging, how do you tackle this important part of raising a dog?

Puppies require lots of attention; I believe the more attention they get, the better! I do not expect perfection at this age; I just want to make sure they enjoy training, have a positive experience and are able to enjoy being a puppy. Early socialization is vitally important in shaping their personalities. The way training is handled will have long lasting implications for the pups and it is my job to make sure it is done right. I train our puppies by taking them to shows, socializing them and going to handling classes. 

Q: How do you reward your dogs and puppies?

Mostly with lots of praise. I also use food and toys but have found that puppies and dogs respond best to verbal and physical contact. I talk to them constantly; they love to hear my voice. The words are not as important as the tone of my voice. I am always telling them how great they are, how beautiful they look and what a good job they are doing. I really do believe they understand what I am saying to them. Physical contact is just as important: a pat or hug can give them so much confidence. By making them happy and confident and bringing out the best in them, I am hoping someday they too will be Champions.

Who will be this year’s top dog?  We would love to hear your thoughts on favorite breed or your predictions for this year’s winner!