Today was one of the best days for SAWHDA club days. We had eight people and 12 dogs at club today and everyone had success in one or more areas. I was thrilled to death with the scent team's progress. Our guest, Judy Hunt, went away with happy smiles as her dog, Roxy, picked her dumbbell from the "special box" amidst four others every time. Of course, so did every other dog there. The way we had the situation set up made it impossible for dogs to NOT bring back their proper dummies. And it worked really well as the confidence level was up and dogs were forced to choose the right dumbbell without comment from their owners. Probably the quietest we've ever been. Can't wait for next weekend. Drummer, the sheltie puppy, last night and this morning, slowed down on the box and sniffed out his dumbbell deliberately, checking the others and choosing his. Look out, dumbbells; he can find you now. We still have far to go though as we are taking this very slowly and making every step a baby step for each dog. Token, Ryder, Kipper, Walker, Mesa, Drummer and Roxy all did the jumps and found their bells and did it from various positions as well. We didn't do passes. Just waited for the dogs to come over the last jump and run down the hallway before sending the next dog.
We agreed that distraction is not something we need right now, and we won't stop a dog on its return run to resend it. Instead, our theory is to bring it home and run it at the end rather than interrupt the flow. And no "No's" allowed, either. Just 'yes's'.
We also did some jump/barrel relays and barrel racing to keep up the pace. Kona loved the relays and zoomed around the barrel after just one run! Swayze, Walker, Krissie, Kipper and Maggie, too. Loads of laughs.
The rally courses were challenging but fair and there were no 100's but several very close to it we think. Made ya think.
We all helped each other with stand for exams and we used the Honor in rally for three dogs to sit on a long sit in a line while the working dog was on course. it was great.
We heard from Carol that Hank got a leg towards his CD with a score of 189/200 today and Maureen did well with Levi in Rally with a 97 in her class in Camrose. Good stuff. Still waiting to hear who won the High in Trial at the Newf specialty.
Talk tomorrow. Happy heeling.
The PRez
ry Ellen Whyte obtained a Best of Breed win to give her 10 points towards her US championship. Congratulations are in order and wishes for those Majors!
