About the Breeder

From Horses to Dogs!! After 20 dedicated years of breeding/training/showing horses, I decided a change was needed.

I have been studying Giant Schnauzer Pedigrees since 1997. I have selected dogs with the finest European Working Lines!

In 2001, I was still studying pedigrees, ready to make a commitment and purchase my first giant. 

Then...

 I went on a date and met the man I had been waiting for to welcome into my life.  Richard W. Mitchell.

We began dating in July 2001.  We purchased our first giant in November 2001.

We decided our first giant "Brier" was going to be Richard's project to bring to training classes. 

In 2002 Richard began Basic Obedience and Agility training with Brier. 

Our second giant was purchased Christmas Eve 2002.  "Berlyn" is my project.

In 2003 I began to learn about the sport of competition protection with Brier and Berlyn.

  Our third giant was purchased July 2003.  "Cross" is our project.

In 2003 we began to study the Art of Breed Handling.  We began showing Brier and Berlyn in AKC Breed Classes as well as Seigerin Conformation.  We will continue to study the Art of Breed Handling learning the tricks of the trade for many years to come. 

In 2003 I began learning the technique of Grooming the Giant for the breed ring.  

In 2003 we began dabbling in the area of tracking.  This dabbling continued in 2004.

In 2004 I began studying the Art of Obedience Training.  I competed in a DVG Trial with Brier and Berlyn.  I will continue to study Obedience Training to the Highest Levels.

In 2004 we began Endurance Training for competition. We competed in a DVG Trial with Brier and Berlyn.  Someday we will attempt this again with other dogs.

In 2004 I competed in a NADAC Agility Trial with Brier.

Our first planned litter was whelped February 1st and 2nd 2005.  Birthdates are February 1, 2005. 

Our fourth giant we are keeping from our planned litter.  "Aegis" is our project.

In 2005 we attended a couple AKC Breed Shows with all four dogs as well as Seigerin Conformation.

In 2005 I continued focusing on my Obedience and Tracking training.  I competed in two DVG Trials and WRSF "Schnauzerfest" Trial with Brier and Berlyn  in Tracking.  One was successful and two were an experience.  We will continue to train in tracking.  I have a lot to learn. 

In 2005 Richard and I competed in a NADAC Agility Trial with Brier and Berlyn.

In 2005 Berlyn trained in Protection periodically.

We look forward to enjoying 2006 with our Riesenschnauzers.

Beginning 2006 I am continuing to focus on my Obedience, Tracking and Protection training.

In 2006 Richard and I competed in a NADAC Agility Trial with Brier.

In 2006 I attended two Seminars.  One in New Jersey with Alfred Hupfauer and Renate Rank hosted by the North East Regional Riesenschnauzer Club.  The second in Massachusetts with Nancy Droukas hosted by Performance Plus Training Center.

In 2006 I began working for Eagle Pack Dog Food Company.  I will be doing Demonstrations at various locations.

2006 Our second planned litter was whelped July 25, 2006.

2006 The Tracy Gallery launched the canine note card series.

2006 We (Richard and I) will have many changes in our lives.  I am retiring in October and will reside in Cape Coral, Florida with Berlyn and Aegis.  Richard will remain on the Farm in Seekonk, Massachusetts for a few more years with Brier.  Cross will always remain on the Farm with Aunt Jan and Uncle Jack.

In the winter months Richard will visit the sunny warmth of Florida and in the summer months I will visit the breezes of the bay in Massachusetts.

2006 I attended WRSF Schnauzerfest in Illinois.   Aegis and Berlyn were entered in Seigerin Conformation.

2006 After Schnauzerfest, Richard and I drove to Florida with Aegis and Berlyn.

2006 I have been in Florida for 8 weeks...Retirement is not what I expected.  I thought I would have at least visited a beach and read a romance book.   I haven't had the time yet.

While in Florida, I have been training each week with Phil Hoelcher in tracking, obedience and protection.  I have joined the South Florida Schutzhund Club and I will continue this training through 2007.  If my dogs and I can tolerate the heat, I will continue training in the summer.

We look forward to enjoying 2007 with our Riesenschnauzers.

2007 I attended the 10th Annual Phil Hoelscher Seminar and Camp.  This was an experience well worth attending again in the future.

2007 I attended my first AKC Obedience Trial with Berlyn.   I have continued trialing with Berlyn and Aegis in the AKC Obedience ring.  I am having a lot of fun and I am learning more and more with each experience.

2007 I attended my first TT Test with Berlyn and Aegis.  It was quite an experience and I will continue to enter this test with other dogs.

2007 I attended my first AKC Rally Trial with Berlyn.  I have continued trialing with Berlyn and Aegis in the AKC Rally ring.  I am enjoying the different areas, climates, indoors, outdoors,  open space, cramped quarters, to compete in...it certainly is challenging with quite a bit of different distractions.

2007 I was invited by the Dog Obedience Club of Lee County, Inc. along with Berlyn to attend DOCOF.   http://www.docof.org This event is held and participated each year by 40+ dog clubs of Florida.   I feel Honored.

2007 Was quite an experience in our Planned Breeding.   Up until now, many people put time into this special breeding.   The Planned Breeding has taken place.   Story: 

2007 has been one year since I arrived in Cape Coral, Florida.  This past year I experienced many venues with my dogs.   Local Club Training - AKC, away Club Training - DVG, local Search and Rescue Training, showing AKC Obedience and Rally. 

2007 I begin working in a local Art Gallery part time. 

I will continue to train my dogs focusing in search and rescue and try to move forward in my breeding program into 2008.

2008 began with SAR Training.   Berlyn is training in Cadavar and Aegis is training in Track Trailing.

2008 I continue to attended AKC Obedience Trials.  I am having a lot of fun and I am learning more and more with each experience.

2008 I attended an Agility Seminar with Aegis at Companion Dog Training Center, Inc. with trainer Mindy Lytle.

2008 Was quite an experience in our Planned Breeding.   Up until now, many people put time into this extra-special breeding.   The Planned Breeding has taken place.   Story: 

2008 I attended a NAPWDA K9 Training & Problem Solving Workshop.

2008 I attended a Bay Area Recovery K9s of Florida Seminar "Cops & Cadavers - Human Remains Detection in K9 SAR".   Workshop by "Bridging The SAR/LEO Gap" Advisory Team.

2008 Our third planned litter was whelped April, 13, 2008.

2008 I was invited by the Dog Obedience Club of Lee County, Inc. along with Berlyn to attend DOCOF.   http://www.docof.org This event is held and participated each year by 40+ dog clubs of Florida.   I feel Honored.

Training dogs is going to be a life long learning project for Richard and myself. 

Our Goal is to breed Quality.  We are not perfectionists but we do strive for excellence. 

Over the last several years, we have encountered many wonderful experiences with our dogs.  We have met many, many people who have common dog sport interests.  We want to Thank and Bless Everyone who has helped us, guided us, gave us direction and entered our lives for short and long periods of time because of our dogs.  I hope I can be as helpful to someone in my lifetime as you have been to me.  Too many to list by name You All Know Who You Are.

For more information or just a visit to hang-out with a Giant, please contact:

Brier Cross Kennel North (est. 2001)
owners
Tracy A. Gustafson or Richard W. Mitchell,
 30 Cross Street, Seekonk, MA 02771,
508-399-6742 - Massachusetts

Brier Cross Kennel South (est. 2006)
Tracy A. Gustafson or Richard W. Mitchell,
 2635 SW 4th Lane
Cape Coral, FL 33991
239-282-2156 - Florida

508-395-1363 - Cell

 Volunteer Work

In 2002 I volunteered for Vice President position at a small struggling Massachusetts Club where Richard was training.  I became President of the club after the former President resigned.  At the end of my term, I did not seek re-election.

In 2003 I volunteered for Secretary position at a USA Schutzhund affiliated Club which was in transition.  Shortly prior to the end of my term I let it be known I would not seek re-election and that I would not be rejoining USA Schutzhund at this time.  I voluntarily resigned my position.

In 2003 I volunteered to help with Auction/Raffle Donations for the Working Schnauzer Federation Trial.

In addition to Club Memberships, I began volunteering in 2003 at AKC Breed Shows as a Steward which continued thru 2004.

In 2005 I volunteered to help the AKC Tracking Club with hospitality at trials.  I also volunteered to lay tracks at trials (I am proud that all 4 tracks I laid, the competitors were successful).

In 2005 I volunteered to help with Auction/Raffle Donations for the Working Riesenschnauzer Federation Trial.

In 2006 I was nominated and accepted nomination to be a Board Member of the Tracking Club of Massachusetts.

In 2006 I was nominated and accepted nomination to be on the Board of Directors of the Working Riesenschnauzer Federation. 

In 2006 I volunteered to Steward at Performance Plus Training Center Show & Go Obedience.  I experienced the preliminary to AKC Obedience Shows.  I was hooked...

...I then volunteered to Steward at Providence Kennel Club Obedience Show.

In 2006 I continued to help the Tracking Club of Massachusetts with hospitality at trials.

In 2006 I volunteered to help with Auction/Raffle Donations for the Working Riesenschnauzer Federation Trial.

In 2006 I volunteered to help the Humane Society in Fort Myers, Florida with donations for a fund raiser.

In 2006 I volunteered to help as well as learn with the South Florida Search and Rescue Team.

In 2007 I continue to volunteer to help as well as learn with the South Florida Search and Rescue Team.

In 2007 I volunteered to be part of the group for the two day South Florida Schutzhund Club Trial in February.

In 2008 I continue to volunteer to help as well as learn with the Southwest Florida K-9 Search Unit.

In 2008 I began working with an organization called

S.P.A.Y.-L.E.E. INC.

 A Dog Rescue Organization that specializes in the underdog...Dobermann that other organizations are reluctant to rescue.  This is a NO Kill Shelter.  I have been working with all dogs in the shelter on their obedience skills.   This is the most Rewarding feat I have accomplished in the dog venue!