Somerset, OH VGP Test Results (Sept. 6 & 7, 2025)

On Saturday,  we  had the privilege and the honor to use a beautiful 150 acre wooded  property in central Ohio to use for the majority of the forest portions of the VGP.   For the remainder of the test subjects, on Saturday and Sunday, (field work, water work and obedience), we used the same  farm and wetland that were used for the 2024 Somerset HZP. 

Unlike last year, central Ohio was not plagued by a drought in 2025, so the wetland contained plenty of  swimming depth water. This 10 acre wetland offered a challenge to the dogs with submerged logs and a thick carpet of spatterdock covering the water's  surface.  

 

We utilized  3 side by sides (UTV's) and a 4-wheeler (ATV) to shuttle judges , handlers and dogs all over both properties.  A pretty slick setup and made for quick navigation in the forested areas!

We were blessed with ideal temperatures both days for testing dogs. Lows in the mornings hovered around 40 degrees and slowly climbed to around 70 degrees in the afternoons.  

The whole group was able to stay at a local Airbnb.  (Judges, Apprentice,  Handlers, Test Director and Field Marshall). The Airbnb was an old log cabin  that was beautifully restored with all the modern amenities.  The cabin is situated on 16 acres , so allowed plenty of space to walk  the dogs  before and  after  the test each day. The driveway was  also large enough to  allow enough parking space for 8 trucks and 4 trailers with UTV's and ATV.  This Airbnb property made things very convenient. Staying all under one roof allowed  old friendships to " catch up" as well as promoting new friendships.  One evening at the cabin, with the "HELP" of a bottle of Buffalo Trace Bourbon ... fun was had by all!

Many thanks to everyone who had a hand in making this VGP happen  in the  Great Lakes Chapter.