Bragging Rights

October 31, 2010 - APDT trials hosted by OakesK9

Fred was entered in Level 1B. His morning score (under Sue Oakes) was 203 and he worked really well, even paying attention at times!
His afternoon score (under Annette Murphy-Wales) was only a 198 because he "hoovered" the entire course, only bringing his nose up when he had to sit!
His bonus exercise was perfect (call front, side step front) which really saved our score! I never know which Fred I'm bringing into the ring each time -- the "I'm going to watch really well" or "hoover time"!
These were his 2nd and 3rd legs towards his championship. Something to look forward to achieving next year.

Chris

(This brag will benefit Francisvale Home for Smaller Animals, a local non-kill shelter)

Sunday October 03, 2010 Two APDT Rally trials hosted by Kan-Do-K9s indoors at K9Jym

Trial No. 1
Fred's turn Judge Annette Murphy-Wales. Oh boy, this could be his title -- not too much pressure! Fred got into some sniffing which caused a tight lead at times, and he had a few crooked sits (he tends to move around so he can see my face), but he nailed our bonus exercise which was sit, leave your dog, call to heel.
Fred's score: 204 and 1st Place!! Drum roll please....Shivaree Fredericton's Finest, RL1

Trial No. 2
Judge Annette Murphy-Wales -It was Fred's turn to go first this time. He must have known we were in the "B" class because he gave the most awesome performance yet. I just kept talking to him and moving at a quick pace and he did everything I asked beautifully. His attention was amazing -- I just kept saying "you watch Mommy" and he did. He did have a few crooked sits because there were quite a few pivots in both directions, but no matter. Our bonus exercise was heel, call to front, side step call to front. Well, the first front was the most beautifully executed one any of my dogs have ever done! He sat perfectly centered at my feet looking up. When I stepped sideways and called him, he repeated it exactly. Everyone applauded! I told him he finished in high style! I gave him several treats at that point before we left the ring.
Fred's score: 204 again! Whee doggies! His first leg towards his RL1X!

(This brag will benefit Francisvale Home for Smaller Animals, a local non-kill shelter.)

Nothing to Sniff at!!!!

Fred made his debut in Level 1A at the APDT Rally Trials in Colmar March 13-13, 2010. From Chris:

"His first run under was very good considering his attention span was that of a gnat! One of the most important aspects the judges want is a loose lead. Well, Fred couldn't have pulled harder as we moved around the course! The only time his nose was off the ground was when he sat at the halts and doing his fronts. I was impressed with his moving down since we had only learned this last Thursday. The bonus was a call front; side step front. He did it beautifully! Those extra points made up for the ones he lost on heeling. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed him and said how well he did for his first try! Fred earned his first Level 1A leg with a score of 190! Yea!
His second run in the afternoon was even more entertaining (according to everyone who watched)! From the time we started the course his nose was attached to the floor (even worse than the morning)! No amount of talking to him helped. But we did get through it and the bonus was sit, leave the dog, call to heel position. The first time, he went with me, so we re-did it. I left him and he stayed (major accomplishment for Fred) and once I was positioned, I called him to heel. So he left and came to my side, sniffing the entire way, and as he got close to heel position, I told him to sit. Well, Fred's ears went deaf and he continued sniffing just at that spot so I waited and waited, talking to him (as long as I didn't say "sit" again, it was ok) and hoping he'd at least look up. Finally he lifted his head, looked at me and I said "well?" The lightbulb went on and he sat! Whew! As we turned to leave the ring the judge said "gee, that was painful, but it worked!". Everyone got a big chuckle out of it, including me! In spite of all that, Fred earned his second leg with another score of 190! I was so proud of him! He was so happy to be there since he's such a social butterfly and loves meeting people and dogs. He didn't care about his achievements!