Golden Retriever “Mila” (OTCH5 Highroller Crazy Red Head UDX10 OGM RE) is training for her fifth run at the 2024 AKC National Obedience Championship (NOC). At 11 years old, Mila will be the oldest dog competing. But her enthusiasm and energy for training and making new friends is still off the charts. She’s a very deep red Golden Retriever, so her owner and handler Pamela Guzman often refers to her as a redhead. “She’s also a very silly clown,” Guzman laughs. As for her call name? “Mila” is a Slavic term of endearment, used from a grandmother to a young granddaughter.
Promising Puppy Requires Patience and Love
When Mila was a puppy, Guzman suspected she had potential for obedience, although she could definitely be a challenge. “Mila was curious and very independent. Early on, she would run off and not come back, but with time we grew and learned together,” she says. Plus, Guzman says Mila usually isn’t fazed by the environment, a positive attribute for obedience competitors.
Guzman, who lives in Terre Haute, Indiana, has trained Mila everywhere she can — from at home in the kitchen to the outdoors to parking lots and fairgrounds.
The sport of obedience is physically and mentally demanding for dog and handler. Dogs must be precise and respond quickly to handler directions during a variety of exercises, including heeling, retrieving, staying, and jumping — all while showing a willingness to do what the handler says and displaying enjoyment of the activities.
Golden Retrievers trained with patience and love and consistent, positive reinforcement methods are frequently seen as top scorers in obedience. “By nature, I believe Golden Retrievers want to please, and they try really hard to make their special person happy,” says Guzman, who’s owned four Goldens and competed with three. The fact that Mila is so friendly and loves everyone, including strangers, can be a challenge during obedience trials. “Her stand for exam is always a work in progress,” Guzman adds. “She really wants the judge to pet her, give her belly rubs, and play.”
Accomplishments Spanning Seven Years
Despite her fun-loving nature, Mila can be serious when the it’s required of her. She was 3 years old the first time she competed in novice. She has now reached the top echelons of obedience work, earning many high-in-trials (highest qualifying score) and high combines (the dog and handler with the highest total combined score from the open and utility classes) and a few 200s (perfect scores).
The NOC championship is limited to the top-ranked obedience dogs from across the country. All invited dogs participate on the first day, and only the top 50 scorers compete on day two. “Mila has many accomplishments, and being invited to the NOC for the fifth time is at the top of the list,” Guzman says. She’s made it to the top 50 twice and once all the way to the top 20.
Mila has also excelled in other competitions. She was the only dog to have won all three championships on the same day at the United Kennel Club All Stars trials, according to Guzman. She’s also received several invitations to the Westminster Kennel Club Masters Obedience Championship.
Slowing Down But Savoring the Moment
Mila was semi-retired when she qualified for the first round for this year’s NOC. “Because she really wants to train, we are going to compete at the NOC this year for the last time,” Guzman says. “When it’s time to train, she runs to the car and is the first in.”
But age has brought some gradual changes to this now-senior dog. Her owner reports that Mila’s a little less focused and sleeps more soundly. Getting tired during competition is a major concern. Guzman will also be paying careful attention to Mila’s jumps at the NOC.
Already living the good life ahead of retirement, Mila sleeps on the bed with Guzman and her husband. “She still does some crazy antics and keeps us entertained,” Guzman says. Retirement for her redhead will involve sitting on the porch, sleeping as much as she wants, and maybe being a demo dog for obedience. “She definitely deserves to do whatever she wants,” Guzman adds.
Guzman’s philosophy of training and competing in obedience is best summed up with her favorite quote by poet Maya Angelou: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
“Mila and I have made many memories. Wonderful memories,” Guzman adds. “Our goal at this year’s NOC is to just enjoy every moment.”
Don’t miss the AKC National Obedience Championship on July 20-21 in Wilmington, Ohio! You can livestream all the action day-of through AKC.tv.