Pfffffffttt!!!

[Chris]

We bombed out on Rally again today — that’s twice! Last weekend, Beckon drew a blank — “Huh? What?” This time, it was an outdoor trial — and we’d never done that before. He started well, but decided he was nervous, and a little pee would help. Frankly, I really didn’t care, and neither did Beckon — we had a nice ride and a walk through a field.

I think he’s lost interest in competing. I know I have. Often you get a really understanding judge who gets it that this is supposed to be fun, but lately we've had a couple who are patronizing or demeaning if your dog doesn't perform like Rin Tin Tin. Give me a freaking break -- it's Rally!!!

Beckers likes his Rally classes, though, and I do, too, so we’ll probably continue those. But the trials are getting more and more expensive. I’d planned to stop after he got his Rally Excellent title anyway, so we’ll just finish out what we’re already entered in. If he gets a leg next time in November, we might give it one more shot — but only because I hate to leave it incomplete. But if he doesn’t qualify in November, we’re done with shows. (Would I feel more enthused if he Q'd? Perhaps, but that might also indicate that he likes it better than I think he does.)

He’s such a good boy, and I’m so happy he’s feeling well again — I don’t want anything to cloud that.

 

[Calliesmom]

sorry to hear that your recent trial experiences haven't been fun. it is supposed to be fun.

I do understand the blank thing though.
for various reasons, we haven't been doing much training recently. so took Jocu to obedience practice- we were practicing heeling and finishes and fronts.
when I tried to get him to finish - he just sat there like he'd never ever seen that signal or heard those words before. he wouldn't go either direction.... it was a little disappointing and frustrating.....
then the other night- he was fine.....
so we definitely need lots more practice so we can be more consistent.....

 

[trini]

He’s such a good boy, and I’m so happy he’s feeling well again — I don’t want anything to cloud that.

That is the bottom line and all that really matters!

Trini

 

[Ann]

You're very smart to take your cue from Beckon, Chris. The bottom line is that we do this for fun...and if it isn't fun for our dogs, it isn't fun for us either, no matter what discipline you compete in. The important thing is that you enjoy your special time with him at whatever you're doing!

Although just to keep you on your toes, he'll probably be a rock star the next time you compete him....

 

[Greenepony]

I think he’s lost interest in competing. I know I have. Often you get a really understanding judge who gets it that this is supposed to be fun, but lately we've had a couple who are patronizing or demeaning if your dog doesn't perform like Rin Tin Tin. Give me a freaking break -- it's Rally!!!

If he's no longer having fun with it, it's definitely not going to be fun for you. Olive tenses up so much in obedience that I don't think we'll go past her CD unless we have a breakthrough in the next few weeks, she's too happy in rally to ruin the ring for her. (our start with the judge last weekend wasn't fantastic either)

 

[Justicemom]

Its good to listen to your dog. I retired Ember from obedience after she got her UDX. She was very good. High Q rate, Open B win, Utility B win and obedience invitional invite. People questioned me why I didnt go for her OTCH as she was well on her way.

Bottom line, she found it stressful and only showed for me. I was not having fun watching her anymore. I told her finish this and we will never do odebience again. We moved on to agility after that. She was not as talented but had alot more fun.