Meet Radison aka Halcyon Days D Concierge’, CGC, a 4 yr old Newfoundland Dog, proudly owned by Mary K. Porod.

Radison was not always as regal as his picture presents. This dog came to Canine Obedience by Claire Silver with Issues that were impacting his ability to be a show dog in a highly competitive circuit. He had the conformation, the coat, the looks, but, he lacked the self esteem. We all hoped that with the right training , time and patience he could live up to or surpass expectations. However, first this dog needed to start over.

Mary K started by just walking this big dog and exposing him to sights and sounds of every day life, when he figured out that people and noises and life was not a horrible experience, but, rather interesting , she enrolled him in a Beginner Obedience Class, next she was the largest student in the Beginner Agility Class and then back to another Obedience Class. Radison, also visited nursing homes and had exposure to Therapy Dog Training.

Just when you thought this dog may not ever lift his head or make eye contact, just when you thought this dog may prefer to live his life behind his owner verses striding forward, he picked his huge head up from its typically lowered position, and made some soft eye contact. This was the start to something great! The next thing we all knew he was passing AKC Canine Good Citizen Awards, and Therapy Dog Suitability Tests, and was wagging his enourmous tail, verses hiding it between his legs. He now entered obedience school with his head held high, tail up, and a new found zest for life and excitement for a new exercise..

Radison returned to his professional handler and established a relationship . Traveling all over the country competing in AKC dog shows, Radison was making quite a stir in the Newfoundland World. Placing 3rd at the Newfoundland National Speciality in Colorado handled by Joanne Brainard. Next with Jessica Plourde, his permanent professional handler, he went best of breed at an AKC show. Currently Radison is showing in Georgia and with any luck he will obtain his Championship tittle. We will keep you posted.

Mary K Porod says, “That with hard work and dedication you too can convert your shy dog into a champion in and out of the show ring”.