Launching into 2016
Just back from the Albany AKC trial. I was extremely pleased with our teamwork on the final run of the weekend - Sunday Premier JWW. The crowd was small, it was late in the day, and my friends were off celebrating the much-coveted MACH title someone had earned that day. So, alas, no video to share. Instead, I've included the course map (with penciings in preparation for the run) and my analysis of our (admittedly rather brilliant) run.
Challenge #1: Backside at 2. We actually did a post-turn on the right of 2 (not as drawn) and then an easy 180 to 3 before heading toward the weaves.
Challenge #2: Weave entry. Cali has the tightest weaves ever. Many teams pushed out to create an easier weave entry. Cali made hers from about a 90-degree angle. She nailed it and held it!!!
Challenge #3: Tricky. First support the correct tunnel 5 entry then race toward 6 to pick her up as she exits, while setting up for a slow-motion front cross (calling Cali to me to avoid the oh-so-tempting tunnel and avoid completing the front cross too soon, which would bring off-course 9 into play). She bravely stuck with me as I backed up to 7 before completing the front cross. What a good dog! Then the tunnel 8 entry was easy.
Challenge #4: Supporting 12 out of tunnel 11, while moving into a front cross to set up for 13-17. This turned out to be easier than imagined (although it drew our only dropped bar at 14). Good dog to hold her line and work some distance!
Challenge #5: Easy to get into position for the backside at 18. Left-handed push into the slice across 18, followed by support to move into 19, and a shallow rear cross with motion toward 20.
Cali did everything I asked of her. So responsive and attentive and athletic. The run was sensational (from my biased perspective:). I could not be more proud. I love this sport!
Challenge #1: Backside at 2. We actually did a post-turn on the right of 2 (not as drawn) and then an easy 180 to 3 before heading toward the weaves.
Challenge #2: Weave entry. Cali has the tightest weaves ever. Many teams pushed out to create an easier weave entry. Cali made hers from about a 90-degree angle. She nailed it and held it!!!
Challenge #3: Tricky. First support the correct tunnel 5 entry then race toward 6 to pick her up as she exits, while setting up for a slow-motion front cross (calling Cali to me to avoid the oh-so-tempting tunnel and avoid completing the front cross too soon, which would bring off-course 9 into play). She bravely stuck with me as I backed up to 7 before completing the front cross. What a good dog! Then the tunnel 8 entry was easy.
Challenge #4: Supporting 12 out of tunnel 11, while moving into a front cross to set up for 13-17. This turned out to be easier than imagined (although it drew our only dropped bar at 14). Good dog to hold her line and work some distance!
Challenge #5: Easy to get into position for the backside at 18. Left-handed push into the slice across 18, followed by support to move into 19, and a shallow rear cross with motion toward 20.
Cali did everything I asked of her. So responsive and attentive and athletic. The run was sensational (from my biased perspective:). I could not be more proud. I love this sport!