Good dog!
Two trials since our last post. We had so much fun at the USDAA trial in Corvallis. I don't know many USDAA folks, so it was really a day of enjoying my Cali-time. When we weren't running, we were hanging out - some outside and some on the bleachers watching runs. The trial was casual and low key and thoroughly enjoyable. I was pleased with her distance work and my calmness and quietness. No tape ... didn't feel like asking a stranger to video me. That always feels weird.
Then, last weekend, two days of AKC in Albany. I love this venue. Day two was combined with AKC confirmation (and probably other stuff), so lots of other dogs, which makes things more exciting. Cali met a couple of young kids. She was very gentle and just lay down so they could pet her. Mom was close by helping them be gentle back. It was a great experience for all. And, as usual, it totally rocks to hang with friends and do the yacking/processing/preparing thing.
We had a brilliant (nearly clean) standard run on Saturday. I love this judge's courses: Sheyla Guttierez. She adds some nice challenges with alternative handling choices. Makes it interesting to plan your run and interesting to watch others run. And, she has a nice, quiet energy about her.
Good things from the weekend: distance handling, amazing weaves, tunnel end discrimination, contacts, minimal jump crashes, and good communication.
Challenges: continue working on that single dropped-bar, early-take-off thing (such a Q killer) - and - as I learned in both our jumpers runs - help Cali learn to work at a distance and stay on course even when I drift laterally (and help Clay learn how to better support Cali in such situations).
Next up? WVESSA AKC in Eugene near the end of April. Long break. Lots of time for barn practice.
Then, last weekend, two days of AKC in Albany. I love this venue. Day two was combined with AKC confirmation (and probably other stuff), so lots of other dogs, which makes things more exciting. Cali met a couple of young kids. She was very gentle and just lay down so they could pet her. Mom was close by helping them be gentle back. It was a great experience for all. And, as usual, it totally rocks to hang with friends and do the yacking/processing/preparing thing.
We had a brilliant (nearly clean) standard run on Saturday. I love this judge's courses: Sheyla Guttierez. She adds some nice challenges with alternative handling choices. Makes it interesting to plan your run and interesting to watch others run. And, she has a nice, quiet energy about her.
Click to viewGood things from the weekend: distance handling, amazing weaves, tunnel end discrimination, contacts, minimal jump crashes, and good communication.
Challenges: continue working on that single dropped-bar, early-take-off thing (such a Q killer) - and - as I learned in both our jumpers runs - help Cali learn to work at a distance and stay on course even when I drift laterally (and help Clay learn how to better support Cali in such situations).
Next up? WVESSA AKC in Eugene near the end of April. Long break. Lots of time for barn practice.