I had a fun but exhausting weekend at the Top Dog CPE trial. It is my home club and I was asked to be chief course builder. I really need to train some other folks to do that so I can work 1/2 days. I came home last night and went to bed until morning – 12 hours. But Elinda and Heather Leu were there and Dave and Jen came to visit so that was wonderful! I was glad that Elinda got to meet Dave and Jen – it brings parts of my life and very important people together for me. I had fun running Ariel. She was looking for mom all weekend but she did get through all the courses. One run should have been a Q but due to time set by the judge – it was not…. bummer cuz we worked hard for that.
Here are some videos from my runs this weekend. Rowan was quite fast… probably because I was confident in her abilities and these courses… I was not nervous. I went into the weekend wanting to work on speed.
This way one of my favorite runs – despite the teeter fly off… Elinda said that she hung on… but just not long enough. That is not a typical problem for us – I am not concerned.
The next run is jumpers – day end on Sunday. I was quite pleased with that run… she didn’t flatten out to get more speed and I am running faster now too! I never thought I could make it to the tunnel for the cross – but I did! I was commenting to the judge through the run. She had challenged me to layer the tunnel but I chickened out (which I told her while running) and then still made that cross (and I told her – “but I will do this!”) . I don’t have my time yet but I will edit this when I do. I am interested to see what her yps were.
The last video is of my friend Heather’s dog Sligo – her puppy in training. He wanted to be sure we knew he was there…. see how gently he taps that bowl? This is documentation for Diane.
I have two weeks off of trialing now but start my clicker class next week. That should be fun! I have to say that I am looking forward to a Saturday at home as much as I love to trial!
Your runs were awesome Heather! I thought the teeter flyoff was cool. Rowan was booking and tried to hold on. She was crouched down and claws digging in, but she just had too much gusto and speed to stay on. You know staffys can hold on to things with those paws, so you know how fast she was going to not be able to stay on! You cross after the tunnel in jumpers took my breath away. I think you surprised yourself. Thanks for introducing me to Dave and Jen. Dave is so sweet and a handsome man at that. You two make a good pair. Jen is a treasure and such a beauty. I can see why you are so crazy about them. Heather Leu already had my devotion. She has such a kind and gentle spirit. She is so lovely with her pregnancy glow. I think I like her as much as I could until I am around her again. She is quality, that girl! Her heart is made of gold. You really are blessed to have those people in your life!
I really enjoyed the whole weekend with you. You the calm one and me the worrier. So many people told me how much they appreciated the fact that took on the role of chief course builder. It is a taxing hard one, especially if you are trying to run your dog as well. You did a super job. I learned a lot being out there just helping a bit.
I am glad you included the bully bowl song by Sligo. That dog has talent! Sorry my voice was in the background complaining about not winning the Dancing Goats coffee in the raffle. If I had been quiet you could have heard the clinking so much better. I did not know you were taping. Sorry. That will teach me to whine… blessings, EA
Thanks Elinda! I so appreciate your support and friendship. It is wonderful to trial with you once again.
Wee those courses looked like a lot of fun!! Great runs and some great contacts!!