Dog Show Day 1
Today was our first dog show ever with Ronan.
I really thought we were going to have a problem, when we got there. Hundreds of people, hundreds of dogs, most of them barking. It's chaos, and it's a lot for a puppy to handle. He was definitely freaked out, and i thought for sure that he wasn't going to be able to pull it together and pay attention when it counted.
I should learn to chill out and not worry so much. Right before we were set to go, i watched a bulldog in the next ring over pee on the foot of a judge. I figured as long as Ronan didn't pee on anyone, i'd be happy no matter what the results were.
Apparently hunger and a big handful of liver treats can overcome any obstacle. Once he saw the treats, and got into the ring, he paid attention, remembered what we've been working on in class, and did what he needed to do. We ended up taking second place, although since there were only two dogs in his age group (boys and girls are seperate classes, and there are age groups), second place out of two isn't exactly a big win. But, he did what he was supposed to do, despite being really freaked out by the crowd, so i can't complain. Apparently the judge was looking for something different, in terms of looks, which i cannot control. So, i'm happy.
We go back bright and surly in the morning for another day, another show, same location. We'll see if repeating the process helps him with his stress levels at all. It'll still be chaotic, but now he'll have had a practice run.
Keep your fingers crossed!