Deuce and I had a big day today. We had 5 runs, the most he has EVER done in a trial. I was very interested to see how he would handle things as USDAA trials are way more exciting and way more GO GO GO! Miller had the first run in P3 gamblers and boy was he wound tight as a tick. Ran the first dog walk and got a pounce, turned around and ran it again and got a fall off because he was barking at me. Finished the course but didn't get the gamble because as usual, he had to stop and bark at me and missed the tunnel. I am beginning to think that gamblers may be a lost cause and that I may have to give up on my plan to get his P3 overall title. He did get a snooker Q today and a jumpers Q finishing up his P3 jumper's title but this is deuce's blog so back to deuce. Deuce had gamblers, snooker, standard and steeplechase and grand prix. We started out with gamblers and again, had great contacts. I decided to hold every one and then release him so didn't get through as much of the course that I had hoped. Overall, I felt good about the run, would have liked to get more points but oh well, time is taken up when you hold contacts. Got to the gable which was very interesting, jump to either end of the tunnel and then coming out to two jumps to finish. If you sent them in the close end, they came out nicely lined up for the two jumps. If you sent them to the far end, they really had trouble going to the two jumps and usually crashed the first one or got the first one and missed the second. Deuce took the far end so he not only crashed the next jump but didn't get the third jump at all. Oh well, no big deal, got some training out of it:)
Next run was snooker and holy crap, three reds on far sides of the course and lots and lots of realestate. Not good for baby dogs in my opinion, would rather have a course where I could keep his head but I guess running full out and jumping totally extended is also a skill. I had again looked at this as a training run and wanted to work his running past obstacles skills. Got the first one and a run by a jump I didn't want (yeah) but in the process he extended full out and jumped the 3 jump and the next red at full speed, full extension. Got him back, did a four and then a blind cross to the last red. Was planning on threadling to get his head back and get a combo and then head to the closing. Well, deuce again was running full out and jumping extended so he landed almost at the wall and turned back the wrong way. I thought he read that i wanted him to land and turn to his left since i had blind crossed him and picked him up on the right side and said here, but he didn't read it and back jumped. TWEET! Done and out before we could even get the combo or the finish so another NQ. Oh well, got to work something I wanted to work and also saw how letting him run full out on snooker does not work.
Next run for Deuce was Grand Prix and a bugger of a course. Very hard weave entry right at the beginning and a discrimination that the first time you went out tunnel and the second time you came in and took the dog walk. Let's just say that he had some good parts, did a nice 180 with a turn back to the teeter, and then a nice fast line out to the tunnel then jump, chute. Steeplechase was the same way, deuce didn't want to come in for the front cross so ran around a jump (did it in grand prix to going to the a-frame). He also missed the weaves again but both entries were very hard for baby dogs. I was so confident in his weaves and his entries but now I am not so confident. He isn't even trying to find the entry and that worries me. He is also sniffing if he misses the entry and that worries me. I don't want him stressed over the weaves. He does so well in practice and in training so I am kind of miffed. I hope it is just a baby dog thing but he sure is rehearsing this behavior alot in the ring. We had great parts to both runs and that is what I am going to take away from it.
Next run was standard and it was super late. I really didn't know if he had anything left in him. Last time he had waited all day, the last run was a disaster. He had basically been in a crate from 6 till 7 that night so over 12 hours. We played alot before the run instead of doing attention work so I think that might have helped. He had the BEST run of the day, basically clean until I sent him in the wrong end of the tunnel. So close to a Q but who cares, was an awesome run with awesome contacts and attention and that is all that matters. I was so happy to end the day on a good run after some not so great runs.
Overall, I am still not happy with his weaves but maybe it is just a baby dog thing? I think I am going to blame it on that for now and hope that I can work weaves soon (that is if the snow EVER melts)
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Oh boy, day 1 USDAA
Oh boy is a good word for today. Just when I kind of had gotten use to mature deuce on easy AKC courses, I got to see how much a baby deuce really is, and you know what, I am okay with that. I knew the courses would be tougher but dang it, these were the toughest courses I have seen ever in USDAA and I have been to three nationals. I would have issues, even with Miller running these courses. We started with gamblers and I swear the air was electric when we started. Dogs were barking, everyone was nervous and boy did it feed into deuce. I got a grand total of 9 points! Yes, you heard me right, not a typo, 9 POINTS! Let's see, he got the 7 point dog walk and two ones and that was it. He was PSYCHO! He jumped off the dog walk the second time, ran around the tunnel, jumped off the teeter, ran around the jump, missed the weave poles and then the buzzer sounded. We had a neat gamble as in the center was a box of jumps. You could take each jump once and as you took one you got 2 points and then the next 4 and the next 6 and the next 8. You couldn't knock a bar or the gamble was over, you couldn't take an off course as the gamble would be over, and you had to get out before the buzzer sounded the second time. I love these types of gambles but because he was so psycho and not listening, he didn't get out before the buzzer so we lost our 8 points for the gamble. Major bummer. I was NOT happy with the bounced contacts and i couldn't really work stuff as i couldn't pull him, could only give him a verbal correction. It was very reminicent of our last Open FAST run for sure. The good thing was, it was a super small trial so we had to all help so I didn't really have time to sit and cry.
Next run was snooker and let me tell you, I could not find flow at all in this course. I have never looked at a snooker map and had absolutely no clue but i really didn't. Managed to put together something (thank god he sends to stuff) and manged all four reds, two fives, a six and a two. I know i said his name 50 times or more to keep his head. I made it all the way through the 4 in the closing and i think i had an oh shit moment where i was like, we might actually make it through this and miss-handled the first jump of the serp. Oh well, he listened and ran like I know he could so I was super proud.
Next was standard and oh boy, those busted contacts. Decided to stomach those nagging feelings and handle them like i normally do. Did make sure to say toes a little bit louder but still drove to the end and expected him to do toes. Got a good contact on the dog walk, a good teeter and then a stop on the a-frame with a second or so before driving very nicely to the end. We had a very tight tunnel to the weaves and he got his entrance but did about four poles and stopped. Started him again and got the same thing. Shit! Just kept on running, figured he wasn't going to do them so got an E:( Got off the course and then remembered, they have 21 or 22 inch spaced poles. I think he just couldn't find his rythm. Oh well, still had an overall good run on a tough course.
Jumpers was next and again a very twisty turny course. I did 7 front crosses and one rear. He missed his poles again, for some odd reason ran way out to a chair that was behind the weaves. No clue what that was about other than maybe we have been working out with a chair since we are snowed in constantly. Got him back, did his weaves and somewhere down the line, he ran around a jump and got the next one before i could get him back. Oh well, another E for the baby-D but overall a very nice run. Relay was last and I got yet another awesome dog walk contact and a great clean run. The funny thing was, my first obstacle was the tire jump. I knew the dog before me on that course had jumped 26 inches and I knew that tire was set too high. I went to adjust it and was told it was correct so said okay, no big deal and he ran under it. The judge blew the whistle but i continued on the course as I was sure it was set wrong and of course it was. Got the E taken off so that made me happy!
Overall, our team was the only team in the whole show not to Q but I am totally fine with that. We had three baby dogs that ran their butts off and tried really hard and that is all that matters. I am so proud of him for coming back and getting his contacts and listening after the horrific run in gamblers. I just have to remember to design a course with lots of tight and have his head and not so much GO GO GO! I was really surprised, thought with his distance skills that gamblers would be his class so interested to see how he handles starters tomorrow. I am also a little concerned because he measured 21 inches today. He has never measured that high ever. I hope we don't get that measurement ever again:) Signing off now to get some sleep. Didn't sleep much last night and have to get up at 5:30 tomorrow to get there on time.
Next run was snooker and let me tell you, I could not find flow at all in this course. I have never looked at a snooker map and had absolutely no clue but i really didn't. Managed to put together something (thank god he sends to stuff) and manged all four reds, two fives, a six and a two. I know i said his name 50 times or more to keep his head. I made it all the way through the 4 in the closing and i think i had an oh shit moment where i was like, we might actually make it through this and miss-handled the first jump of the serp. Oh well, he listened and ran like I know he could so I was super proud.
Next was standard and oh boy, those busted contacts. Decided to stomach those nagging feelings and handle them like i normally do. Did make sure to say toes a little bit louder but still drove to the end and expected him to do toes. Got a good contact on the dog walk, a good teeter and then a stop on the a-frame with a second or so before driving very nicely to the end. We had a very tight tunnel to the weaves and he got his entrance but did about four poles and stopped. Started him again and got the same thing. Shit! Just kept on running, figured he wasn't going to do them so got an E:( Got off the course and then remembered, they have 21 or 22 inch spaced poles. I think he just couldn't find his rythm. Oh well, still had an overall good run on a tough course.
Jumpers was next and again a very twisty turny course. I did 7 front crosses and one rear. He missed his poles again, for some odd reason ran way out to a chair that was behind the weaves. No clue what that was about other than maybe we have been working out with a chair since we are snowed in constantly. Got him back, did his weaves and somewhere down the line, he ran around a jump and got the next one before i could get him back. Oh well, another E for the baby-D but overall a very nice run. Relay was last and I got yet another awesome dog walk contact and a great clean run. The funny thing was, my first obstacle was the tire jump. I knew the dog before me on that course had jumped 26 inches and I knew that tire was set too high. I went to adjust it and was told it was correct so said okay, no big deal and he ran under it. The judge blew the whistle but i continued on the course as I was sure it was set wrong and of course it was. Got the E taken off so that made me happy!
Overall, our team was the only team in the whole show not to Q but I am totally fine with that. We had three baby dogs that ran their butts off and tried really hard and that is all that matters. I am so proud of him for coming back and getting his contacts and listening after the horrific run in gamblers. I just have to remember to design a course with lots of tight and have his head and not so much GO GO GO! I was really surprised, thought with his distance skills that gamblers would be his class so interested to see how he handles starters tomorrow. I am also a little concerned because he measured 21 inches today. He has never measured that high ever. I hope we don't get that measurement ever again:) Signing off now to get some sleep. Didn't sleep much last night and have to get up at 5:30 tomorrow to get there on time.
Monday, January 24, 2011
SKC trial baby D style:)
Okay so Deuce has a new nickname thanks to Ami. Everyone was calling him D-baby or baby-D. I think it is cute and I think it stuck! I really didn't even think we would make it to this show. The weatherman was predicting snow and ice and all kinds of crap and I think as usual, I was more worried about weather than running my dogs. I had Deuce signed up for three runs a day for both days and I really didn't want to loose my money. I also had to run harley this weekend because tony was sick and i didn't think it was a good idea for him to be running while he was coughing so bad. So I had two dogs in excellent and baby-D in novice and of course all day saturday, I had tons of conflicts. I think I do better under stress at local shows because I just suck it up and run and I don't obssess or over think. Saturday's JWW course had a huge tunnel trap right at the beginning. Three jumps in a straight line and a straight tunnel just staring those baby dogs right in their faces. I watched team after team get stumped by this beginning. The dogs were suppose to do a 180 and go back the way they came basically but the dogs thought that the tunnel was way more fun. Well, I knew I had to just call and move laterally and he should come with by reading my deaccleration and my lateral movement. Well, I got the calling part down, did not get the lateral movement down and over compensated causing him to run around the second jump of the 180. No prob, got him back and started again. Of course the course was set up like a giant Z so line down, line back:) Got his weaves coming out of a tunnel, no problem. The last line was a bit of a trick and I had planned on getting front cross in but he took two jumps super extended and I knew the front cross would just send him further out so I opted to pull him and rear but he didn't read it and again went around a jump. He eyed the finish jump before I got him back and finished with two Rs but a Q. I was happy for him that he did listen and didn't take the tunnel trap but mad at myself for not just moving laterally while calling so that he just came with smoothly. I saw several other baby dogs do the same thing he had on the ending so I am sure it is a matter of collection and I do think I went too far into the line to really do the pull justice. Still adjusting to his style of running and still figuring each other out.
We had standard next and a very nice course with the dog walk being the second obstacle with a tunnel opening discrimination. I opted to run the dog walk on the opposite side, do a front cross and send him to the correct end, that way I was moving and I had a better line to the correct end. Then we had tire and front cross to the teeter. Again I watched baby dog after baby dog misread the teeter and fly off. Not sure why but I think that was probably our best part of the whole course. Contacts were 100% better this time but I was driving to the end and not creeping or walking. He had a great hold onto the table (the crowd's reaction in the video was funny) and then over the panel back to a chute. He had a wide turn but that was my fault for not cueing it well enough. Through the chute and over the double and a-frame with again a much improved a-frame. Again, I was driving into a front cross which helped. We had a straight line, broad jump to a jump and a turn back to the weaves. I was behind on the line because he had acclerated and when he saw I was behind, he started to curve a little in and I was afraid he was going to miss the weaves. I said "go" and boy did he! He jumped super extended and almost made it across the ring back to the dog walk! I got him back and he missed the entry to the weaves but that was my fault. Got the weaves, two jumps and out! This was his second Q in Novice standard and I was super happy with the way he handled the course. Great contacts, great start line, great attention, and of course he sure knows to GO when i say GO! As I have said, distance will not be an issue for this baby at all. Our third run of the day was Open FAST and the send was jump a-frame, tunnel. The judge was nice and had the easier opening for the tunnel as the correct end. I was excited to have 12 weave poles as I felt like alot of his issues with entries so far was the 6 poles as I don't train on 6 and can't becasue mine are in sets of four. Well, he didn't get the entry again and I am not sure why, I know I told him to easy weave to collect him. I am not too worried about this yet but I do not like that he is rehearsing this behavior in the ring. I am chalking this up to the fact that we haven't gotten to practice in a few weeks but he knows weave and he shouldn't be missing them this much. I think of 5 runs (one run didn't have weaves) he only got an entry once. I hope experience in the ring and some USDAA 12 pole work will help. At least we are in open JWW so we won't have 6 except in novice standard. The rest of the course was nice, got to use my GO command and it worked beautifully. I was a little worried as I couldn't remember if I had worked the a-frame that far away but he didn't care. He still isn't driving to the bottom as fast as I would like but I am happy that the star-gazing has stopped for now. I will contiue to use high value rewards in practice for a while to keep up this behavior. The dang buzzer sounded before we were able to really finish the course so we had to get out before we got maximum points.
We decided to stay saturday night as they were again saying it was going to snow. We were hearing as much as 6 inches of snow and ice and i knew if I went home and got up to that, I wouldn't come back. Both barb and I had had good runs with our pups and we didn't want to give up sunday to the snow gods. It was so nice to eat, put on our pjs, watch some movies and cuddle with the pups and sleep in the next day. Of course we didn't get any weather other than some flurries but I would like to believe it was because we stayed that night (your welcome other competitors, donations for our hotel stay will be appreciated:) I got a double Q with miller and had a great NQ standard run with Harley. Good boy harley had shown up the day before with a Q in JWW but bad boy harley showed up in JWW on sunday so it was a train wreck. He has no in between, it is either breathtaking or a complete disaster and I am glad that tony is runnig him now and not me because i would be super frustrated. Of course his a-frame has gotten better because I have been working it but his dog walk is a no contest, fly off fest and will continue to be until we either buy one or tony deicides to make us one. I digress, this is baby-D's blog. We had Novice JWW first and a tough beginning line. It was the same line the open dogs had, minus a tunnel trap. I handled it with a two jump lead out and as Lori puts it "hard eyes" so he collecting and took the slice jump on the correct lead. Into the tunnel and two jumps to the weaves so super speed into the weaves. I really thought he was going to make it and the judge even groaned when he couldn't . Got him back, sent him across the ring, moved laterally and blind crossed him out of the tunnel to a line of jumps behind it. I had to haul ASS to beat him out but my lateral movement and trust that he would get the tunnel helped. We got a first place and that was a fun, fast run. Standard was next and we didn't do as well as I had hoped. Dog walk was good, a-frame was good but he put a foot down on the broad jump so NQ:( It was right after the chute and I am not sure he got good striding before he was at it and just couldn't jump it correctly. Don't have the video to see what really happened. The part of the run that I was mad at myself about was the line from the double to the teeter. I had planned a nice big front cross to give him a good gentle line to the teeter and instead I turned too tight and lined him up wrong and he came off the side of the teeter. I was a bad, bad handler and i saw it coming and should have called him off and realigned him and taken the refusal. I am not happy with myself becuase I knew it was an NQ and I was not thinking about the safety of my baby. Open FAST was last and I think he and I were both tired and ready to go. He was wild, out of control, got the send but didn't listen very well at all and was taking anything and everything. He crossed the finish jump before I was ready to but qualified with the minimum score. He certainly had fun but I shudder to think about how he is going to be in snooker next weekend.
I am excited that we are starting to be a better team. I am overall very happy with the weekend and look forward to doing open JWW and 12 poles. I see moments of brilliance and it thrills me. He is still finding gears I didn't know he had and is getting really good at the command "go":) I am so excited to do USDAA and see how he handles tougher courses. I did enter him in grand prix and steeplechase for fun as I have absolutely no expectations of any Qs but just want the ring time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG3xznxek4w Note: I had really cool audio but youtube has disabled it. Damn copyright law!
We had standard next and a very nice course with the dog walk being the second obstacle with a tunnel opening discrimination. I opted to run the dog walk on the opposite side, do a front cross and send him to the correct end, that way I was moving and I had a better line to the correct end. Then we had tire and front cross to the teeter. Again I watched baby dog after baby dog misread the teeter and fly off. Not sure why but I think that was probably our best part of the whole course. Contacts were 100% better this time but I was driving to the end and not creeping or walking. He had a great hold onto the table (the crowd's reaction in the video was funny) and then over the panel back to a chute. He had a wide turn but that was my fault for not cueing it well enough. Through the chute and over the double and a-frame with again a much improved a-frame. Again, I was driving into a front cross which helped. We had a straight line, broad jump to a jump and a turn back to the weaves. I was behind on the line because he had acclerated and when he saw I was behind, he started to curve a little in and I was afraid he was going to miss the weaves. I said "go" and boy did he! He jumped super extended and almost made it across the ring back to the dog walk! I got him back and he missed the entry to the weaves but that was my fault. Got the weaves, two jumps and out! This was his second Q in Novice standard and I was super happy with the way he handled the course. Great contacts, great start line, great attention, and of course he sure knows to GO when i say GO! As I have said, distance will not be an issue for this baby at all. Our third run of the day was Open FAST and the send was jump a-frame, tunnel. The judge was nice and had the easier opening for the tunnel as the correct end. I was excited to have 12 weave poles as I felt like alot of his issues with entries so far was the 6 poles as I don't train on 6 and can't becasue mine are in sets of four. Well, he didn't get the entry again and I am not sure why, I know I told him to easy weave to collect him. I am not too worried about this yet but I do not like that he is rehearsing this behavior in the ring. I am chalking this up to the fact that we haven't gotten to practice in a few weeks but he knows weave and he shouldn't be missing them this much. I think of 5 runs (one run didn't have weaves) he only got an entry once. I hope experience in the ring and some USDAA 12 pole work will help. At least we are in open JWW so we won't have 6 except in novice standard. The rest of the course was nice, got to use my GO command and it worked beautifully. I was a little worried as I couldn't remember if I had worked the a-frame that far away but he didn't care. He still isn't driving to the bottom as fast as I would like but I am happy that the star-gazing has stopped for now. I will contiue to use high value rewards in practice for a while to keep up this behavior. The dang buzzer sounded before we were able to really finish the course so we had to get out before we got maximum points.
We decided to stay saturday night as they were again saying it was going to snow. We were hearing as much as 6 inches of snow and ice and i knew if I went home and got up to that, I wouldn't come back. Both barb and I had had good runs with our pups and we didn't want to give up sunday to the snow gods. It was so nice to eat, put on our pjs, watch some movies and cuddle with the pups and sleep in the next day. Of course we didn't get any weather other than some flurries but I would like to believe it was because we stayed that night (your welcome other competitors, donations for our hotel stay will be appreciated:) I got a double Q with miller and had a great NQ standard run with Harley. Good boy harley had shown up the day before with a Q in JWW but bad boy harley showed up in JWW on sunday so it was a train wreck. He has no in between, it is either breathtaking or a complete disaster and I am glad that tony is runnig him now and not me because i would be super frustrated. Of course his a-frame has gotten better because I have been working it but his dog walk is a no contest, fly off fest and will continue to be until we either buy one or tony deicides to make us one. I digress, this is baby-D's blog. We had Novice JWW first and a tough beginning line. It was the same line the open dogs had, minus a tunnel trap. I handled it with a two jump lead out and as Lori puts it "hard eyes" so he collecting and took the slice jump on the correct lead. Into the tunnel and two jumps to the weaves so super speed into the weaves. I really thought he was going to make it and the judge even groaned when he couldn't . Got him back, sent him across the ring, moved laterally and blind crossed him out of the tunnel to a line of jumps behind it. I had to haul ASS to beat him out but my lateral movement and trust that he would get the tunnel helped. We got a first place and that was a fun, fast run. Standard was next and we didn't do as well as I had hoped. Dog walk was good, a-frame was good but he put a foot down on the broad jump so NQ:( It was right after the chute and I am not sure he got good striding before he was at it and just couldn't jump it correctly. Don't have the video to see what really happened. The part of the run that I was mad at myself about was the line from the double to the teeter. I had planned a nice big front cross to give him a good gentle line to the teeter and instead I turned too tight and lined him up wrong and he came off the side of the teeter. I was a bad, bad handler and i saw it coming and should have called him off and realigned him and taken the refusal. I am not happy with myself becuase I knew it was an NQ and I was not thinking about the safety of my baby. Open FAST was last and I think he and I were both tired and ready to go. He was wild, out of control, got the send but didn't listen very well at all and was taking anything and everything. He crossed the finish jump before I was ready to but qualified with the minimum score. He certainly had fun but I shudder to think about how he is going to be in snooker next weekend.
I am excited that we are starting to be a better team. I am overall very happy with the weekend and look forward to doing open JWW and 12 poles. I see moments of brilliance and it thrills me. He is still finding gears I didn't know he had and is getting really good at the command "go":) I am so excited to do USDAA and see how he handles tougher courses. I did enter him in grand prix and steeplechase for fun as I have absolutely no expectations of any Qs but just want the ring time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG3xznxek4w Note: I had really cool audio but youtube has disabled it. Damn copyright law!
Friday, January 7, 2011
the first blog of the new year!
I made my goals and such for Deuce on my agility blog but I might as well talk about them here as well:) What can I say about the upcoming year? Well, I know I want to strengthen our team bond in the ring. I feel like we are clicking training wise (can always use improvement), but we need that same click in the ring. I am going to start entering him in more trials and putting him in more challenging situations in the ring. No more safe, no more creeping, all out running in the name of the game. Criteria must be upheld and I need to bring that sense of confidence that I know he can do it, into the show ring. You know, every time you get your next agility partner, you set out to change things. I want my dog to do this and that better than my other dog or whatever but you are still you and you have to change YOU too! That is the part I am working on, changing ME and that is the hard part. We talk about trusting our dogs and we pound this into our head and then we go out in the ring and turn into careful, cautious dog handlers. I am sure Deuce is wondering what in the hell is wrong with me when I am out there walking on the course or slowing down to make sure he gets his contacts. He is probably thinking, "I got this mom, wait, why are you handling so different?". Anyway, am planning on attending summer camp with him and trying to get him in as many different situations as I can so he can mature and have fun and have successes along the way. I have no big goals for him, no national's dreams this year, just go have fun, and what happens, happens. I would like to have him in Excellent A by the end of the year and I do think this is attainable.
I have been trying to really work on how I train. I like the sentence perfect practice makes perfect. Don't get my wrong, my practices aren't perfect but I am trying really hard to only let him rehearse behaviors that I like and completely ignoring behaviors I don't like so that they will go away quickly. We are still working through collection issues, but he is a baby and this is part of him growing up, learning his body and what he can do and what he can't do with it. I need to drag some jumps home from the agility field we have and do more one jump work. I have joined a netflix for dog vidoes and on the top of my list is Susan Garrett's stuff you can do with one jump or whatever the title is. I figure this is something we can work on no matter what the weather is and inside the house as long as the repititions are low and light. As I said, he is still trying to figure out his body and the more I can help him know what he is capable of, the better.
I am also still trying to work through this a-frame issue we are having. I am trying to build immense value in the bottom of the a-frame and driving to the bottom. It is so weird, he drives to "toes" on the dog walk and teeter perfectly with speed and determination but now all the sudden, the a-frame is for star gazing. At first the behavior was only in shows but now he is doing it in practice. I thought I had put enough value in toes as a position since I was getting the behavior on the other contacts but maybe not? I have gone back to asking for toes on everything and lavishly rewarding for giving it to me. I have also gone to a target at the end of the a-frame with the best goodies in the world. I am not asking for a nose touch per se am still asking for toes which I am getting with more drive. I will continue for a while to do so until I feel like he is understanding the value of driving to the bottom into position and then I will remove the target and start rewarding from the hand again. We have been really lucky that the weather has held out thus far. We have been able to train on mondays at all star and have class pretty much all winter so I am crossing my fingers that this continues!!!!
I have been trying to really work on how I train. I like the sentence perfect practice makes perfect. Don't get my wrong, my practices aren't perfect but I am trying really hard to only let him rehearse behaviors that I like and completely ignoring behaviors I don't like so that they will go away quickly. We are still working through collection issues, but he is a baby and this is part of him growing up, learning his body and what he can do and what he can't do with it. I need to drag some jumps home from the agility field we have and do more one jump work. I have joined a netflix for dog vidoes and on the top of my list is Susan Garrett's stuff you can do with one jump or whatever the title is. I figure this is something we can work on no matter what the weather is and inside the house as long as the repititions are low and light. As I said, he is still trying to figure out his body and the more I can help him know what he is capable of, the better.
I am also still trying to work through this a-frame issue we are having. I am trying to build immense value in the bottom of the a-frame and driving to the bottom. It is so weird, he drives to "toes" on the dog walk and teeter perfectly with speed and determination but now all the sudden, the a-frame is for star gazing. At first the behavior was only in shows but now he is doing it in practice. I thought I had put enough value in toes as a position since I was getting the behavior on the other contacts but maybe not? I have gone back to asking for toes on everything and lavishly rewarding for giving it to me. I have also gone to a target at the end of the a-frame with the best goodies in the world. I am not asking for a nose touch per se am still asking for toes which I am getting with more drive. I will continue for a while to do so until I feel like he is understanding the value of driving to the bottom into position and then I will remove the target and start rewarding from the hand again. We have been really lucky that the weather has held out thus far. We have been able to train on mondays at all star and have class pretty much all winter so I am crossing my fingers that this continues!!!!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Deuce's second and third day of trialing
This has been a very emotional and trying weekend. My best friend barb lost her heart dog on friday morning while we were at the trial. I don't want to get into it here, have cried alot of tears this weekend and am still very emotional. Instead I want to talk about the good stuff. I got to run my baby this weekend for two whole days! After the first show, I was so excited to get to run him and see what we still had. Tulsa is a new location for him with new footing and new equipment. We started out on friday with jumpers and had a very nice run. The weave poles were situated right where our crates were so he got a little distracted and veered off and missed his entry but I got him back and he finished nicely. I need to train more on just 6 poles so they look more familiar to him. I am also sure that he is getting so hyped that he is not wanting to collect and I am okay with working through that. All of my dogs have had this problem in the beginning, even though we work entries in class and practice but you know how those novice courses are! Straight lines, three jumps into them or straight tunnels into them. They build up a TON of speed going at them and this is something we are just going to have to get over. This was Deuce's first Q in novice JWW as he knocked a bar the first time we ran it in wichita. He got a second place and had some nice speed and a nice turn at the end that i was super proud of. He is staring to get confidence in the ring and leave me in the dust (YIKES).
Our next run of the day was novice standard. I had heard that the dog walk up and down ramp had been bouncing alot and that dogs were falling off of it. I didn't remember Miller having any issues with it when he ran, but our seasoned dogs probably adjust better and it isn't as much of an issue as it is for our baby dogs. I think the theme for novice in AKC is straight line, gentle turn, straight line back down, another curve, almost like a Z pattern sometimes! No real handling like in USDAA novice, but i digress. The dog walk was the second obstacle and he ran it with great speed but for whatever reason, released himself from the dog walk contact before I said the magical words. Now, criteria is a bitch so I gave him a verbal "uh-oh" and then continued on. I was hoping it was just the bouncing that scared him. I seriously want one of my dogs to have good contacts and I swear if it kills me and costs me a Q or placements or a title, I am going to uphold my freaking criteria. Again, I digress. SO the next contact was the teeter. Again, on the teeter, release before I say anything. This time, bigger verbal correction. What does the little stinker do? Of course, he bangs the board back down and goes into two on, two off! Everyone was laughing and i have to say it was pretty cute. Next contact, three or so obstacles later is the a-frame, creeping down the down ramp, WHICH I HATE, but holding into position and waiting for release. GOOD BOY! Of course the obstacle before that was the broad jump and he had ticked it so we were already DQed at that point but might as well work the rest. Got discombulated at the tunnel but got him in the correct entry and then he got his weaves out of a tunnel at a dead run. GOOD BOY! Ended on a good note but I was a little concerned. He never blows his release in practice on contacts so I hadn't even planned on what to do if he did so in a trial. Never even entered my mind. I have to say it did blow my mind a bit. We are still figuring each other out in trials. I think he is testing me a little and I am going to have to learn to roll with the punches.
We still had novice FAST to run and we had a teeter and an a-frame. Started out with a nice two jump lead out and then to the teeter. He still stopped before he got into position and I had to ask for "toes" again. He did come into it and wait for his "good boy, okay" before he released. He got the bonus fine (distance is probably not going to be a problem for this red head), but I was out of position and forgot i planned on doing the weaves after he came out of the tunnel. Bad handler, did a jump and got him through the weaves. Also got the a-frame in as the buzzer was sounding (stupid creeping) so we didn't get the points but I was proud, I held his contact again till he got his good boy, okay and then sent him over the finish jump, even though it was ticking off points from my total score. I think we got fourth or third, doesn't matter. His contacts were a tad bit better this time and I am so glad we had fast last so I could work him. Again, sometimes he puts on the jets and leaves me in the dirt and I am so not anticipating that. I think once he gets confidence and I get confidence in knowing what dog I am running, we will be a very fast team.
The next day dawned and I was excited and a little nervous to see what dog showed up with me that day. We ran jumpers again and I didn't get it taped so I think he knocked a bar or would have qualified but I can't remember exactly. I wish I could see the tape to know for sure. We had standard next and again I got horrible creeping on the a-frame. I then had to handle him coming over a broad jump and going into the wrong end of the tunnel that they were to land and take. I said his name over the broad jump as I was going to pull him and turn him back to the correct end. For whatever reason, he decided to run around the tunnel, then offer me a 2 on 2 off on the dog walk and then get into the tunnel. Silly boy! We then got going again and he had a much better dog walk contact. I notice that I was helping him with my body by holding up and slowing down and I never do this in practice so once again BAD HANDLER! His teeter was much improved with him driving to the bottom and holding till i got there to make my cross and get him into the tunnel. I am trying so hard to stick to my criteria of telling him good dog and then releasing him with his okay but dang it is so hard!!!! I am competitive and I can just feel the seconds ticking away as I do everything in slow motion but I know it will help me in the long run! Next was the weaves and they were a little set out and I know I mishandled him and did not tell him out weave soon enough. Oh well, got him back and finished and we got a Q!!!! Not the prettiest run but I think it was 100% better than the day before for sure! We placed but of course low down because i am holding contacts. I loved the fact that this club had a give your ribbon back, get a box of cookies for your dogs. I gave all of his ribbons back this weekend, except his new title ribbon.
Last run of the day was Novice FAST and we had a teeter and an a-frame again (YEAH). Blew past the weaves again after taking three jumps. Not getting his attention enough to collect into the weaves but we can deal with that. Turned nicely out of the weaves to the tunnel jump send, no problem and even worked the teeter at a distance. Teeter was AWESOME this time, probably due to the fact I wasn't baby sitting it and was running it like we always do in class or practice. Took some jumps across the ring so I could get the a-frame and again, he did much better this time because I was running and not baby-sitting. Please feel free to knock me up side the head and tell me to stop making stupid mistakes and trust my dog. Was planning on going back over the a-frame but the buzzer sounded so we just headed out.
Overall, pleased with how we ended the weekend. We now have our Novice FAST title, one Novice JWW and one Novice standard leg. We need to work on collection into the weaves for sure and I need to work on not baby sitting anything and trusting him. Why must I have to tell myself that yet again with yet another dog? URGH! Anyway, I know puppy brain can show up and I am prepared for that. We are entered in a two day show in january and then a three day in february, plus USDAA (YES, YES, YES) in which we will probably do team and then a few classes the other days. We are still feeling each other out and I know that will continue for a while. He continues to build speed and surprise me sometimes. I have got to learn to handle differently because he is so unlike miller and I LOVE that! I have to give myself a pat on the back for holding his contacts and not giving into the competitive side of me. I so want some pretty ribbons but I keep telling myself that this will help build the foundation for years to come. Letting him get way with crappy contacts could haunt me and I don't want to have to go through what I went through with miller and his dang dog walk contact again. I want a dog that I can take to the line and know that he is solid on everything and to not worry about any what ifs. I am super proud of his start line stay. I can't tell you how nice it is to be able to walk out calmly, get into position and then release him. I am sure he will test me on that at some point and if so, we will have the walk of shame out of the ring:( Anyway, this whole weekend taught me so much and if you are reading this, hug your dogs because they love us even when we are bad handlers! Rest in peace dear Haley, you are loved and will be missed. Driving home tonight we saw a shooting star right in front of us and it wasn't even dark. Haley's name was wish upon a star so I am sure it was a sign from her!!!!!
Here is the link to deuce's video, enjoy! Love the music (problem child by ac/dc)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k4ivr7x8sM
Our next run of the day was novice standard. I had heard that the dog walk up and down ramp had been bouncing alot and that dogs were falling off of it. I didn't remember Miller having any issues with it when he ran, but our seasoned dogs probably adjust better and it isn't as much of an issue as it is for our baby dogs. I think the theme for novice in AKC is straight line, gentle turn, straight line back down, another curve, almost like a Z pattern sometimes! No real handling like in USDAA novice, but i digress. The dog walk was the second obstacle and he ran it with great speed but for whatever reason, released himself from the dog walk contact before I said the magical words. Now, criteria is a bitch so I gave him a verbal "uh-oh" and then continued on. I was hoping it was just the bouncing that scared him. I seriously want one of my dogs to have good contacts and I swear if it kills me and costs me a Q or placements or a title, I am going to uphold my freaking criteria. Again, I digress. SO the next contact was the teeter. Again, on the teeter, release before I say anything. This time, bigger verbal correction. What does the little stinker do? Of course, he bangs the board back down and goes into two on, two off! Everyone was laughing and i have to say it was pretty cute. Next contact, three or so obstacles later is the a-frame, creeping down the down ramp, WHICH I HATE, but holding into position and waiting for release. GOOD BOY! Of course the obstacle before that was the broad jump and he had ticked it so we were already DQed at that point but might as well work the rest. Got discombulated at the tunnel but got him in the correct entry and then he got his weaves out of a tunnel at a dead run. GOOD BOY! Ended on a good note but I was a little concerned. He never blows his release in practice on contacts so I hadn't even planned on what to do if he did so in a trial. Never even entered my mind. I have to say it did blow my mind a bit. We are still figuring each other out in trials. I think he is testing me a little and I am going to have to learn to roll with the punches.
We still had novice FAST to run and we had a teeter and an a-frame. Started out with a nice two jump lead out and then to the teeter. He still stopped before he got into position and I had to ask for "toes" again. He did come into it and wait for his "good boy, okay" before he released. He got the bonus fine (distance is probably not going to be a problem for this red head), but I was out of position and forgot i planned on doing the weaves after he came out of the tunnel. Bad handler, did a jump and got him through the weaves. Also got the a-frame in as the buzzer was sounding (stupid creeping) so we didn't get the points but I was proud, I held his contact again till he got his good boy, okay and then sent him over the finish jump, even though it was ticking off points from my total score. I think we got fourth or third, doesn't matter. His contacts were a tad bit better this time and I am so glad we had fast last so I could work him. Again, sometimes he puts on the jets and leaves me in the dirt and I am so not anticipating that. I think once he gets confidence and I get confidence in knowing what dog I am running, we will be a very fast team.
The next day dawned and I was excited and a little nervous to see what dog showed up with me that day. We ran jumpers again and I didn't get it taped so I think he knocked a bar or would have qualified but I can't remember exactly. I wish I could see the tape to know for sure. We had standard next and again I got horrible creeping on the a-frame. I then had to handle him coming over a broad jump and going into the wrong end of the tunnel that they were to land and take. I said his name over the broad jump as I was going to pull him and turn him back to the correct end. For whatever reason, he decided to run around the tunnel, then offer me a 2 on 2 off on the dog walk and then get into the tunnel. Silly boy! We then got going again and he had a much better dog walk contact. I notice that I was helping him with my body by holding up and slowing down and I never do this in practice so once again BAD HANDLER! His teeter was much improved with him driving to the bottom and holding till i got there to make my cross and get him into the tunnel. I am trying so hard to stick to my criteria of telling him good dog and then releasing him with his okay but dang it is so hard!!!! I am competitive and I can just feel the seconds ticking away as I do everything in slow motion but I know it will help me in the long run! Next was the weaves and they were a little set out and I know I mishandled him and did not tell him out weave soon enough. Oh well, got him back and finished and we got a Q!!!! Not the prettiest run but I think it was 100% better than the day before for sure! We placed but of course low down because i am holding contacts. I loved the fact that this club had a give your ribbon back, get a box of cookies for your dogs. I gave all of his ribbons back this weekend, except his new title ribbon.
Last run of the day was Novice FAST and we had a teeter and an a-frame again (YEAH). Blew past the weaves again after taking three jumps. Not getting his attention enough to collect into the weaves but we can deal with that. Turned nicely out of the weaves to the tunnel jump send, no problem and even worked the teeter at a distance. Teeter was AWESOME this time, probably due to the fact I wasn't baby sitting it and was running it like we always do in class or practice. Took some jumps across the ring so I could get the a-frame and again, he did much better this time because I was running and not baby-sitting. Please feel free to knock me up side the head and tell me to stop making stupid mistakes and trust my dog. Was planning on going back over the a-frame but the buzzer sounded so we just headed out.
Overall, pleased with how we ended the weekend. We now have our Novice FAST title, one Novice JWW and one Novice standard leg. We need to work on collection into the weaves for sure and I need to work on not baby sitting anything and trusting him. Why must I have to tell myself that yet again with yet another dog? URGH! Anyway, I know puppy brain can show up and I am prepared for that. We are entered in a two day show in january and then a three day in february, plus USDAA (YES, YES, YES) in which we will probably do team and then a few classes the other days. We are still feeling each other out and I know that will continue for a while. He continues to build speed and surprise me sometimes. I have got to learn to handle differently because he is so unlike miller and I LOVE that! I have to give myself a pat on the back for holding his contacts and not giving into the competitive side of me. I so want some pretty ribbons but I keep telling myself that this will help build the foundation for years to come. Letting him get way with crappy contacts could haunt me and I don't want to have to go through what I went through with miller and his dang dog walk contact again. I want a dog that I can take to the line and know that he is solid on everything and to not worry about any what ifs. I am super proud of his start line stay. I can't tell you how nice it is to be able to walk out calmly, get into position and then release him. I am sure he will test me on that at some point and if so, we will have the walk of shame out of the ring:( Anyway, this whole weekend taught me so much and if you are reading this, hug your dogs because they love us even when we are bad handlers! Rest in peace dear Haley, you are loved and will be missed. Driving home tonight we saw a shooting star right in front of us and it wasn't even dark. Haley's name was wish upon a star so I am sure it was a sign from her!!!!!
Here is the link to deuce's video, enjoy! Love the music (problem child by ac/dc)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k4ivr7x8sM
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Deuce's first agility runs
SO EXCITED! Deuce's first agility weekend is in the books! I just showed him in novice Fast, novice Jww and Novice standard for one day. I was really excited to see where we were with our training and if I (and he) could hold his criteria. I am so excited to say that in all of his runs, criteria was met and then some! He actually ran way faster that I thought he would and I actually was out of position a couple of times because of his speed! Apparently, running on dirt is fun for him. I had intially thought he might have issues as we train on grass but I will have to say that it sped him up a bit and thank goodness he didn't get the zoomies!
Our first run of the day was Novice FAST and I was just planning a big loop and out till Lori got ahold of me and asked why not go for it and get all the points i could get. I love her for pushing me out of my comfort zone all the time as the plan she came up with was awesome. He held his stay for me to get into position and release him with an "okay" and then it was on! We even did a threadle in part of the course so that he had a better line to the send. The send was pretty easy, jump and tunnel and then we had a big sprint passed a few obstacles to get the teeter. He did want to duck behind me but I kept him beside me (good snooker practice) and he had an amazing teeter contact. I wanted to make sure he got praise on every contact so after he did his "toes", he got a "good boy" before his release. The funniest part was the first time he did the a-frame. For whatever reason, he came about half way down the down ramp and stopped. He has never done this in practice so I was a little thrown off by it. The look in his eye was priceless, "can I just forgot about toes mom and blow this?". I told him "wrong, go toes" and he came down into it like ,"urgh, okay". I got to do the a-frame from the other direction at the end and he did a better job of driving down into toes. We didn't get to do the weaves as I had planned since we ate up alot of time waiting for him to come down into toes and telling him what a good boy he was on every contact (three contacts practiced YEAH). I was so proud of him after this run!!!! He got tons of cookies and lots of praise. He ended up with a Q and a third place, but I am more happy about criteria being met.
Our second run of the day was jumpers. We were the first 20 inch dog in all runs so I had tons of time to work on start line routine while they were setting the course. He seems so far to not get nervous at all and keeps calm, although wants to be doing something while he is waiting rather than just sitting and watching. I have a warm up routine in place for him now and I am pleased with it. Again, he let me lead out a few jumps and then get into place, take a deep breath and then release him. What I am super proud about this run is not only his lead out, but he hit the weaves going a 100 mph and managed to collect nicely and stay in them. He didn't read one of my front crosses (he was looking at an off course jump) so I held position, made him come into my hand and then we went on. He ended up knocking a bar but I didn't care! He was running fast and listening and again our criteria was met!!!!!!
Our final run of the day was standard. I was excited to see his dog walk contact and again to get to do a multiple jump lead out. Again, we were the first dog in 20 inch so he got to set up and get released and set up again before we had to start. I was very proud of the tunnel to the a-frame line. The end of the tunnel shot them out past the a-frame so you had to get their head and make sure that they came onto the a-frame nicely and we connected and he had a great approach to the a-frame. Again, a great contact and then out of a curved tunnel into the weaves, which he hit with great speed and then collection. Unfortunatley, after the weaves, there was a push out to the tire jump and then back to the dog walk and he locked in on the dog walk and almost got to it before i got him back. He back jumped the tire but then got going again. A baby bobble, I think more a michelle bobble as I wasn't anticipating him being out of the weaves so fast. I need to practice more on 6 poles because he can just about beat me out every time! He had a great dog walk contact and then the table which he did very well. Next a chute to the teeter and then three jumps out. For whatever reason, he knocked the bar after the teeter but I didn't care. He actually got ahead of me on the ending line and when I said "turn, jump", he didn't read it or hear me or whatever, and turned the wrong way and then back jumped the last jump. Again, I didn't care, he was fast and I just have to learn how to steer from behind some! I am not the best rear crosser in the world, I prefer fronts so I am going to have to solidify a new skill.
All in all, super proud of my baby! He showed me moments of brilliance, he met all of my criteria, and he showed me what we need to work on. We are entered for two days in Tulsa so I am super excited to see what he can do in two days. I am hoping we have a mild winter so we can continue class and practice because I can see what he needs to work on and what I need to work on. I will try to post the video here tonight! I have to tell you, it is thrilling to walk to the line and not worry about anything. Will he stay, will he get that weave pole entry, will he get his contacts are not even a thought in my mind. I feel like for the first time in my life, I am proactively handling versus reactively handling. Miller has skills, dont' get me wrong, but not the foundation that Deuce has. I am also able to let go of the Q now and see how important holding criteria is. It took me almost four years to get Miller's MACH and it was simply because I would not hold onto criteria. I see the importance of rewarding good behavior at the novice stage versus trying to rush through the course, ditch criteria and just get the Q. I can see the big picture FINALLY and I can see how I need to be selective now versus later. Will that win me ribbons, probably not but when the ribbon chasers are falling apart in open and excellent, I hope our strong foudation will take us onward and upward. I am so excited for the future and what it holds!!!!
Our first run of the day was Novice FAST and I was just planning a big loop and out till Lori got ahold of me and asked why not go for it and get all the points i could get. I love her for pushing me out of my comfort zone all the time as the plan she came up with was awesome. He held his stay for me to get into position and release him with an "okay" and then it was on! We even did a threadle in part of the course so that he had a better line to the send. The send was pretty easy, jump and tunnel and then we had a big sprint passed a few obstacles to get the teeter. He did want to duck behind me but I kept him beside me (good snooker practice) and he had an amazing teeter contact. I wanted to make sure he got praise on every contact so after he did his "toes", he got a "good boy" before his release. The funniest part was the first time he did the a-frame. For whatever reason, he came about half way down the down ramp and stopped. He has never done this in practice so I was a little thrown off by it. The look in his eye was priceless, "can I just forgot about toes mom and blow this?". I told him "wrong, go toes" and he came down into it like ,"urgh, okay". I got to do the a-frame from the other direction at the end and he did a better job of driving down into toes. We didn't get to do the weaves as I had planned since we ate up alot of time waiting for him to come down into toes and telling him what a good boy he was on every contact (three contacts practiced YEAH). I was so proud of him after this run!!!! He got tons of cookies and lots of praise. He ended up with a Q and a third place, but I am more happy about criteria being met.
Our second run of the day was jumpers. We were the first 20 inch dog in all runs so I had tons of time to work on start line routine while they were setting the course. He seems so far to not get nervous at all and keeps calm, although wants to be doing something while he is waiting rather than just sitting and watching. I have a warm up routine in place for him now and I am pleased with it. Again, he let me lead out a few jumps and then get into place, take a deep breath and then release him. What I am super proud about this run is not only his lead out, but he hit the weaves going a 100 mph and managed to collect nicely and stay in them. He didn't read one of my front crosses (he was looking at an off course jump) so I held position, made him come into my hand and then we went on. He ended up knocking a bar but I didn't care! He was running fast and listening and again our criteria was met!!!!!!
Our final run of the day was standard. I was excited to see his dog walk contact and again to get to do a multiple jump lead out. Again, we were the first dog in 20 inch so he got to set up and get released and set up again before we had to start. I was very proud of the tunnel to the a-frame line. The end of the tunnel shot them out past the a-frame so you had to get their head and make sure that they came onto the a-frame nicely and we connected and he had a great approach to the a-frame. Again, a great contact and then out of a curved tunnel into the weaves, which he hit with great speed and then collection. Unfortunatley, after the weaves, there was a push out to the tire jump and then back to the dog walk and he locked in on the dog walk and almost got to it before i got him back. He back jumped the tire but then got going again. A baby bobble, I think more a michelle bobble as I wasn't anticipating him being out of the weaves so fast. I need to practice more on 6 poles because he can just about beat me out every time! He had a great dog walk contact and then the table which he did very well. Next a chute to the teeter and then three jumps out. For whatever reason, he knocked the bar after the teeter but I didn't care. He actually got ahead of me on the ending line and when I said "turn, jump", he didn't read it or hear me or whatever, and turned the wrong way and then back jumped the last jump. Again, I didn't care, he was fast and I just have to learn how to steer from behind some! I am not the best rear crosser in the world, I prefer fronts so I am going to have to solidify a new skill.
All in all, super proud of my baby! He showed me moments of brilliance, he met all of my criteria, and he showed me what we need to work on. We are entered for two days in Tulsa so I am super excited to see what he can do in two days. I am hoping we have a mild winter so we can continue class and practice because I can see what he needs to work on and what I need to work on. I will try to post the video here tonight! I have to tell you, it is thrilling to walk to the line and not worry about anything. Will he stay, will he get that weave pole entry, will he get his contacts are not even a thought in my mind. I feel like for the first time in my life, I am proactively handling versus reactively handling. Miller has skills, dont' get me wrong, but not the foundation that Deuce has. I am also able to let go of the Q now and see how important holding criteria is. It took me almost four years to get Miller's MACH and it was simply because I would not hold onto criteria. I see the importance of rewarding good behavior at the novice stage versus trying to rush through the course, ditch criteria and just get the Q. I can see the big picture FINALLY and I can see how I need to be selective now versus later. Will that win me ribbons, probably not but when the ribbon chasers are falling apart in open and excellent, I hope our strong foudation will take us onward and upward. I am so excited for the future and what it holds!!!!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
T minus 2 days!
I am getting so excited for Deuce's debut into the world of showing in agility! Looks like the FAST class will be our first class, which I am glad for so we can have fun and just go out there and work obstacles and not really worry about a course per se. I will design something very flowing and nice for baby dogs and have FUN! I have already started working on a video montage of baby pictures that I can then embed the videos of him running throughout. Even if it is a full out zoom fest, I am going to put it in! After all, he is a baby and baby brains crop up at any time. I guess the feeling I have with Deuce is super excitment and confidence. I know we have prepared him for this and I know we have the foundation skills to handle what may come. I know that he won't be perfect and it will be some time before he will be, but I don't expect perfection. What I do expect is team work from him and from me, criteria to be maintained, and above all else FUN! Will I be nervous, probably so, but I am hoping that because I know he has the skill set I have trained him to have, those nerves will be alot less. I just read one of Susan Garrett's blogs about confidence in your dog and how we are so silly to step to the line and not have confidence in our dogs. It really hit home for me, especially with Miller. Why do I ever think he can't do something? Well,I am hoping that I can change that mental picture with Deuce. I am sure we still have holes to fill, still have places where we can improve and work harder, but he has the foundation layed that none of my other dogs had coming into their first show. I think for years, for me, it was all about just getting around a course, not so much thinking, what does the dog see, what is the correct line? Miller is an honest dog so I could get away with this viewpoint. Despite me, he can run a course and run it clean. With Deuce, I want to really finesse the handling of the course, the setting of the best most efficient lines (and safest), the running of the course not necessarily to Q but to run it the best I can.
Anyway, I am excited for the future and videos are to come!
Anyway, I am excited for the future and videos are to come!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)