Page 67 - November Sun Rays_Flip book LR

Beverly Williams’ lifelong bond with
dogs leads to agility competition

By Ginger Przybys Around 1976, she and her family bought a have managed the sheep without the two
236 acre ranch in Thomasville, Missouri, hardworking Border Collies that she had
Diamonds may be Marilyn Monroe’s on which they bred and raised sheep. trained for the task.
best friend, but if you ask Sun Though sheep typically have only one or
City resident Beverly Williams, two offspring at a time, Beverly’s ranch Time passed. Beverly remarried a
a girl’s best friend is her dog. became well known for the multiples her successful Canadian businessman named
ewes would bear year after year. Her John Williams, with whom she traveled
At the tender age of 10 while living in successes as a breeder and handler led extensively, visiting over 80 countries in
New Jersey, the then Beverly Walker to Beverly’s election as President of the 16 years. Sadly, John died in 2011.
unwittingly became a “dog whisperer” American Polypay Sheep Association,
when a neighbor’s dog showed up at and she began lecturing on the subject Through these many years and life
Beverly’s door so frequently that its at her ranch. For all her achievements, changes, Beverly never forgot her passion
owners told the youngster to keep him. however, Beverly says she never could for working with dogs. In 2014, having
Through this dog, Beverly discovered a
natural talent for encouraging dogs to do Continued on the next page
her bidding, all without difficulty or using
treats as a reward. PHOTO BY ANITA SOLBERG

Beverly first began experimenting with Beverly Williams runs alongside friend and protégé Fancy Lady at a training facility
basic commands, such as sit, down, come in Manor, Texas.
and stay. To her surprise and pleasure,
her new ‘best friend’ responded to her voice N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 6 SUNRAYS | 65
and touch. Over time, Beverly sharpened
her skills, incorporating a positive-
reinforcement technique known as “loose
leash” along with her verbal commands to
teach her dog to listen to her commands.

How does a dog learn such commands?
Williams explains, “For a dog to first learn
not to do something wrong, it must do
something wrong first. Then you show it
how to do it right. They want to belong
and please.”

At 22, Beverly achieved the highest score
in a New York State American Kennel
Club’s obedience competition dog show.
Following this success, her Rough Collie,
Solo, was best in show during a sanctioned
American Kennel Club obedience match.
She was well on her way to competing
nationally when life stepped in. Her
marriage and two children became her
main focus, placing dog training on the
back burner for many years. However, it
was always in Beverly’s mind that she
would resume eventually.

Though she was no longer competing,
Beverly continued to work with animals.

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