Freddie – The Rock Star

Freddie is fun! She finds joy and entertainment is everything she does, just like the song says: she’s having a good time, just having a ball! And not some of the time, but all the time! Freddie was the youngest puppy in our 2022 Queen litter. She spent the first 8 weeks of her life with her Mom Siggy and 8 littermates in Illinois. I was privileged to help with whelping and during the first week of her life. Fun fact: Freddie was born almost 4 hours after her brothers and sisters. I could feel her foot in Siggy’s abdomen and just when we thought we may have to consider C-section, the puppy arrived in a double-sack and ready to eat! From the very beginning, she was considered a “chilled” puppy, up for a good play, but not the first trouble-maker. Don’t get me wrong, once the mayhem started, you could often find her in the middle, next to her “twin” look-alike brother Basil.

When I returned to Illinois for puppy evaluation and health checks at 7 weeks old, it very quickly became obvious that she is going to be my pick.Volhard’s Puppy Aptitude test and conformation evaluation only confirmed that the orange puppy was exactly what I was looking for as a new addition to my SoCal pack.

Freddie handled her travel to San Diego very well – she was making friends at the airport and slept on the flight. She aced the first meeting with the Pack: she was cordial with the girls – Bella and Rachel. To be honest, I think Rachel was a bit terrified.. LOL. But she totally fell in love with her Great GrandPa Oz. He became her constant companion and playmate for the first month. Then, gradually, as the puppy got bigger and her energy increased, Rachel stepped into her role and the main entertainer. They are the best friends and still play daily.

Freddie followed our puppy socialization and education framework: puppy and beginner obedience classes, trips to local parks and beaches. Luckily, couple of my friends had puppies of the same age and we created a safe puppy pack to let the youngsters’ burn some energy together. They are good friends until now and we continue our mayhem sessions on regular basis.

Freddie is very curious: her motivation is “what’s next?”, “what’s new?”, “what else is going on?”. She is eager to learn and explore anything and anywhere. No fears and no hesitation. This makes her a perfect companion and competitor in various dog sports. She’s happy in Rally, Obedience and Conformation ring, as long as it’s not too repetitive (or boring). She excels in Scent Work (which is NEVER boring) – now competing at a Master Level. Nothing can stop her now… or ever! My role is to continue finding new things to do and explore.

Back to the top

Freddie was named after the lead singer Freddie Mercury of the Queen, one of my favorite rock bands. I was hoping that one of her brothers would be named “Freddie” but it was not the case. So.. I decided that my puppy girl will take on the rock star’s name and it stuck. Later on, I discovered that Freddie Mercury used to nickname his male friends with female nicknames and vice versa. Wow! I did well! LOL. The song title I picked for Freddie’s AKC registered name is “Don’t Stop Me Now!” – as the lyrics say: she’s having a good time, she’s having a ball! She’s a rocket ship on a way to Mars! Never ending entertainment!

Back to the top

Freddie is interested in everything! She quickly moved thru her basic obedience classes. Good Canine Citizen (CGC) title was the first step in her obedience titles. We passed, despite the infamous “loose leash walking” challenges. Urban Good Canine Citizen (CGCU) test was easier in my opinion, because it took place is a public area, with people, dogs and traffic which we experience on our daily walks. The toughest part is to get her attention, but once I get it, Freddie excels in performing even the most challenging obedience commands.

Our first attempt at a rally novice course got a passing score! I couldn’t believe it! Otterhounds and following obedience commands are not expected.. LOL. Then, we started Scent Work and discovered not only what Freddie really liked, but was she was really good at: using her nose and being curious. In addition to the Scent Work, we qualified in Nose Work, titled in Level 1 Trailing & Locating and Urban Locating. Barn Hunt is next. Can’t wait!

Conformation was brief: Freddie completed International IABC Championship title and earned points in AKC conformation. Unfortunately, there are simply no dogs in SoCal for us to complete the AKC championship title requirements. Traveling across state lines is not an option due to my work schedule and sending her with strangers is not worth the risk or the championship ribbon. I have to admit though: she does look fabulous in the ring! Check out the video below from our showing at Ventura Summerfest in 2023.

Back to the top

Freddie continues to amaze me when working with her nose. She started joining Rachel and Bella at our weekly Scent Work practices and quickly picked up the basics. The difference was that I introduced the 2nd (Anise) and 3rd (Clove) odor almost as soon as the understood the “find” command and started consistently indicating finding the 1st odor (Birch). Taking her to trials was the next natural step. All three girls would compete in different classes and elements. Freddie qualified at most of the Novice and Advance Levels at her first try. Excellent, took just a bit longer to complete, not because of the dog, but rather me, the handler! No surprise here.. LOL. The handler’s job in Scent Work and Nose Work is to correctly “alert” the judge where the hide is, based on dog’s indication or behavior. There is a lot to learn as the complexity increases at each level: exterior and interior areas get bigger, so do number of containers and buried (water & earth) elements. Watching her work, her focus and intensity never gets boring. I just have to keep up!

Training & Locating and Urban Locating is a little different. The objective is to find a caged rat hidden in an outdoor area or a farm equipment/storage area. A trail is setup at the start line for the dog to follow. Judge will call when they believe the dog found the hide. Handler’s job is to handle a 20ft leash and not lead the dog to the rat. Complexity, number of false trails and rats increases with each level. Freddie met her first rat and picked up the concept at Trailing & Locating workshop and a brief practice. Amazing. Again! We earned out first titles in December 2025 and we are just getting started! Barn Hunt is on our “to do” list for 2026!

Back to the top