Back in the saddle again?
Where to start...
Entered Kanzi in Open A hoping for a final CDX Q but that didn't happen this weekend. Bummer, but oh well!
Entered Ruby "Booby" in Nov B (just turned 2yo end of Jan) and right after realized we had a LOT to work on after the long snowy winter, so I was probably more obsessed w/ that than any short comings I felt Kanzi would have (more hormonal than anything, I'm guessing... hence the oh well!). Anyhow, Ruby really didn't have a solid finish (hand or verbal--- did both together w/ Rally). And sometimes she'd send herself on the nice judges' voice send! OMG... and I had NO ONE to train / proof w/ the past 2 wks once I entered (and realized our deficiencies). Ooops. So there we were w/ me saying "Pancakes!". "Pizza!" "Call yer DAWG!!!" in my yard. :D
Get into the ring for her debut, and I"m holding my breath. Really not expecting anything but a good (hoping!) training experience as I'd already swallowed that bit of pride I may have had prior. All on leash was going great (not surprised), got to stand for exam, that was fine. Heel free.... wow, she is REALLY tuned in. Nice.... OMG, here comes the recall though. Perfect!!!! Even finished on the hand only though maybe a little slower than I'd want???!!! woot wooo!!! :D Stays were great, even when a couple dogs broke (one right next to her and handler had to step forward just in case...).
End of trial on Sat was a Blue ribbon and (drumroll please.......) 198.5!!! Holy COW!!!!! :p
Sunday was much the same, though not quite as precise (had a missed sit on heeling that I can remember). Long stays were in a terribly quiet environment w/ the pigeons (!!!!) cooing and flying overhead!!!!! UGHHHHHHH! That was the longest down stay I can remember! TG my training pigeons here are white as Ruby kept looking at me like "NOW Mom???, can I go get them???". :p Whew, another Blue for Rubes and 193.5.
We then went from obed to the show ring where I had an eval lined up for Ruby for conformation w/ some pro handlers I have respected for years. I've bit the bullet and entered her in a show in a couple weekends too (if ring time doesn't conflict w/ obed). I moved her for the gal first, then her husband came out and so the gal took Ruby to move for him. They both loved her movement, expression, structure etc! Said absolutely, she was very nice and thought she was very much show worthy. Also ooh'd and ahh'd over Baby Pip too (10 wks, along for the ride). Said both were going to be a lot of fun. Good weekend... what can I say!!! Glad to be back at it after a long snowy winter! Anne
