Ch TEVERSAL KODI: ITT3; TD1; IPO1; SCHUTZHUND1; Ca Ch

Kodi is the leader of our pack. He has a totally confident, very assured approach. Although he falls within the smaller parameters set for the Bernese Mountain dog, he has no semblance of "little man syndrome". His fairness and consistency is admirable. He has brought the puppies up with gentle fairness. In fact, if anything, he leans towards spoiling them. Just a wee bit! However, his authority never comes into question. His word is law. Maxxie, his litter brother, respects Kodi and responds positively to his leadership. At the moment, Kodi is moulding Behr. Kodi has recognised that Behr has an assertive personality and has made no effort to break him. On the contrary. He is building him up as a potential pack leader at a later stage.

Working with Kodi has been an amazing experience. He has fun! And he has helped me to learn a great deal about myself as a trainer. Kodi enjoys tracking. He considers it to be an adventure. He has been known to leave the track (just for a minute or two) to investigate a little diversion along the way. Obviously, it costs him marks, but if a man cannot explore his track to ascertain certain facts, then one should re-assess one's priorities.

He loves defence work. Kodi thinks chasing a man who willingly offers his arm as a reward is the greates treat ever. He will play any game as long as the rules are clear and do not change. We have always been extremely careful when selecting "Helpers" to play with him. It must be very clear that there is no room for ego and the rules have to be strictly adhered to. Because Kodi loves to run, he is extremely good at quartering and obviously enjoys the chase.

Kodi is extremely agile and light on his feet. He can easily run along a six inch wide plank that is supported two meters above the ground. But he is not good at jumping. Getting the height is not difficult for him. But the accuracy of clearing a one meter high brush jump is a massive challenge for him. Somehow, his enthusiasm overcomes him somewhat, so the jump on the move is a haphazard affair! Iin order to get a success rate of some sort, we helped him get over by showing him how to jump over the brush jump from a stationary position approximately 1 meter from the jump. The dumbell is thrown, again a meter on the other side and he has to return with a dead stop, presenting the dumbbell to his handler immediately on his return over the jump. Somehow he manages it!

The best fun Kodi can have always involves water. He plays joyously in the sea and loves a romp with the hose pipe. Especially when I am at the other end!

Kodi remains the leader the pack. He has aged gracefully and remains the charming “person” he always was. He still rules the roost with strength and diplomacy. He continues to spoil Behr, who loves him as a child loves his father! Kodi is still a mischievous, fun-loving dog who enjoys playing at defence work.

In September last year, 2006, Kodi was suffering from a few old “sports injuries”. He and Maxxie went to a chiropractor, Dr Neville Dugmore. Apart from his human patients, Dr Dugmore specializes in horses and dogs. He worked magic with Kodi. Re-aligning his neck and getting his spine back into action.

Behr’s friend, Euro, has been dancing with his mom, June. They told us about the new sport and Kodi has been trying it out. He is nowhere as good as his brother, Maxxie, but he sure thinks it is a great way of getting some decent exercise. Since has has been dancing, Kodi has become fitter and is much more supple than he has been in years.

Eleven years ago, a little puppy came into our lives and blessed us with love, fun, happiness and adventure. That little puppy has blossomed into a well-respected adult who still brings, love, fun, happiness and adventure!