First Q earned at the Rally Advanced level

[Kayla]

We may not have gotten a perfect 200 but I think Duke should get E for effort.

We had our first run in the advanced level at a rally-o trial this past weekend and earned our first Q with a 173. We had two runs in OB earlier that day, both which were a bit disappointing and I could really tell Duke was overwhelmed by the environment and unable to really think through his arousal, let alone offer my a whole lot of attention or perform well.

I was considering leaving before the rally run but decided to stay as I've always really enjoyed Rally and loved being able to reward Duke in the ring during the Novice level and Duke seems to enjoy it as well.

We decided to stay and we actually had a pretty decent run. Duke's heeling off leash certainly wasn't perfect but besides foraging ahead occasionally he did a pretty nice heeling job. He did a perfect stand for exam and a perfect schutzhund style finish which I had to quickly shape thirty minutes before going into the ring because I forgot it existed in advanced ( I can't remember what CARO calls it on the sign but I remember another competitor telling me it was the same one they use in schutzhund). He also committed to his jump at the ten foot line, which was something I didn't get a whole lot of time to practice, it was even better when he promptly returned to heel position after finishing the jump. We ended up getting a 173 out of 200 points, not perfect but I'm glad we stayed for it.

I've decided to take as much time off as needed to find some clicker friendly group classes to continue to work him in high arousing situations and develop his recovering ability. He's come along way from the days of reacting at almost every dog within a 50 foot radius and I hope that we can continue doing the sport together, if not though that's fine as well.

On an unrelated sport topic note Duke turned 3 at the end of August! To think he used to be this small!






and now:




Kayla and Duke

[MafiaPrincess]

*hugs* Congrats to you and Duke even if it wasn't the best runs you have ever had.

[LauraLeigh]

Congrats!!!