2GoodDogs
Forums Enthusiast
UDX Leg #4. We are almost halfway there and I'm reminded it isn't about crossing the finish line, but the legs and experiences along the way. I am so thankful to be partnered with this dog who always tries. We were just one sit stay away from boasting 5th leg ... and earning two legs in a weekend... but that will come. Or not, but there is always this day and I'm so proud.
We qualified both days in utility, and his front's were frequent and boy did not losing those .5 add up, we earned a 190 on Saturday (his barking go-outs were 7 of those lost points!!!) In open we did a nice job in individual exercises only to go into groups with a down first, and he laid down on his sit. Oh the heartbreak!!!
On Sunday I wasn't sure what I was going to get but Justus was bright eyed and eager to warm up for the chicken liver brownies I baked for him. He was much more optimistic than I was, and he did fine in utility, not quite as nice as Saturday, but he did well and we survived with a 184 (and another 7 points off for his barking go-outs) I was trying to get all nervous about open, but he did fine and his drop on recalls this weekend I think were the best he's ever done (anticipation has been a problem) and going into groups I liked our chances that we had a sit first. I made sure before groups that we practiced sit stays and I think that is key for us, practicing them before going in for groups... we do random sit stays around the house, the training building, at the park, etc.. but nothing replicates a line of dogs (some he doesn't know) in group.
What a good dog and what a sigh of relief when I come back, and although dogs on either side of him had moved or laid down, he did not.
He nailed his down stay.
So three green ribbons (no placements) and our 4th UDX leg and not a trial in site till October.... unless I travel. Feeling great about my good dog.
We qualified both days in utility, and his front's were frequent and boy did not losing those .5 add up, we earned a 190 on Saturday (his barking go-outs were 7 of those lost points!!!) In open we did a nice job in individual exercises only to go into groups with a down first, and he laid down on his sit. Oh the heartbreak!!!
On Sunday I wasn't sure what I was going to get but Justus was bright eyed and eager to warm up for the chicken liver brownies I baked for him. He was much more optimistic than I was, and he did fine in utility, not quite as nice as Saturday, but he did well and we survived with a 184 (and another 7 points off for his barking go-outs) I was trying to get all nervous about open, but he did fine and his drop on recalls this weekend I think were the best he's ever done (anticipation has been a problem) and going into groups I liked our chances that we had a sit first. I made sure before groups that we practiced sit stays and I think that is key for us, practicing them before going in for groups... we do random sit stays around the house, the training building, at the park, etc.. but nothing replicates a line of dogs (some he doesn't know) in group.
What a good dog and what a sigh of relief when I come back, and although dogs on either side of him had moved or laid down, he did not.
He nailed his down stay.
So three green ribbons (no placements) and our 4th UDX leg and not a trial in site till October.... unless I travel. Feeling great about my good dog.
- thanks for posting them
