Lordy!
Introducing....
FLYER CDX PCDX RE CGC!
Friday night we did Wild Card Utility, signals my wild card. He got all but the stand signal although the heeling was an argument the entire pattern. He growled, threatened my knee, forged and missed a sit. Then he blew both articles, the moving stand was perfect.... and on go outs he barked, got his jumps and went short on the 2nd go out... our score something like a 29...
I didn't have a lot of confidence Saturday... but we went anyway.
First class was Versatility and whew, the pattern was: Novice Heel Free, Recall, Open Retrieve on Flat, Retrieve Over High, Utility Moving Stand, Directed Jumping.
I picked up my armband and we were off. A little arguing on HF, not too bad. Nice recall, good retrieves. We were passing so far...
The moving stand was good but I got a front instead of a return to heel, -3. All my fault because I only verbally commanded and both are allowed.
So... DJ, he did it very well!!! Our first Versatility leg and a 190, good for 1st!
About an hour later the Open A class was called. I was third in, the first two did okay but did not qualify. I was so nervous but set up to heel and we were off. I was wondering who was this perfect dog and where did he come from! We only lost 1 point on our heel free and figure 8!
Command discrimination, our biggest fear factor and mostly failed exercise. Why, because the stupid stand your dog at heel. 6 times in competition he wouldn't stand on the first command. So judge says "stand your dog" I took a deep breath waiting two long seconds, and "Flyer, STAND" and HE DID!!!! the down and sit were awesome and I did not see the judge mark his sheet! Perfect exercise!!!!
Then drop on recall, and I was keenly aware of the Novice B class getting awards in the other ring. Clapping and cheers and I'm a little worried... thought about using a signal to drop him but gave a strong DOWN verbally, and he did.
I think we lost a point, .5 on front, .5 on finish.
Whew... retrieve on flat, good dog, nice job. -1
Retrieve over high, my throw was close but far to the right and a difficult angle. To my relief Judge Jeff Kerns called it short and brought it to me to throw again. Whew. Next throw was dead center and Flyer sailed over and back to a crooked front. -.5
The broad jump... uh-oh, we've blown this one before but with the same caution and pause and intentionally delay, Flyer, JUMPl... and he did but it was dangerously close to anticipation in my eyes! He did and landed a perfect front and finish.
-0.
Okay, here is that dam stand from a heel and go get your leash. I was fighting tears, not sure why... but he stood and stayed and I became the happiest girl in the USA.
So 3 for 9 and we are CDX...
I learned a lot more from my failures than my successes in this particular part of our journey!
Flyer got leftover bits of steak and now we are wondering do we go again today, or just end on this good vibe????
We have Versatility in an hour, I have nothing to lose... would you go and show?
No video.
I can post win pictures though! I think...
