Hibernation Over

We had our first trial last Saturday the 1st-3rd of March. I think it finally jolted me out of hibernation. It was not the best of shows for me but I've learned some things and it has motivated me to start training more earnestly again. It was a very cold show because while it was enclosed, it had dirt in the arenas. It was also about 30 degrees and snowing outside, so even with the heaters it was still very cold. 

On Saturday there were two obedience trials, and I was sure I was entered in Novice A in the second one. So I spent the morning watching my Mom run her Shepard (also in Novice A), and trying to stay warm and keep Joey warm and happy. I was a little worried about Joey wasn't his usual food driven self. He was acting not so interested in working and was acting a little scared about the show noise. When our turn turn came I jacked Joey up on molasses and hoped for the best. Well, it turns out I didn't have to worry, we did not even make it into the ring. The ring steward discovered that the books said the run was for my Mom's Shepard. I stupidly mixed up the armband numbers and my Mom went instead of me in the morning show. So, my Mom went in again. I am so tired of my brain, I don't know how I could miss that "small detail" when I check the confirmation letter about ten times. I've made a lot a dumb mistakes in my dog show life, but this has to be one of the dumbest things I've done. I guess it is okay Joey wasn't in his show mood so we probably wouldn't have scored high anyway. I'll just finish up the CD title in about a month.

Sunday we were entered for Rally Excellent A, the afternoon show again. I was a little nervous since this was our first time in Rally Excellent. Joey did all the signs okay but he was barely with me. He was all over the place and I was losing him at every corner. We have been that uncoordinated since our first Advanced Rally leg, about two years ago. I was so frustrated. Despite the embarrassing performance, we got a 96 and first place under Judge Donna Eddins. I think Joey had such and bad skittish performance because I went into hibernation this winter. I did train him now and then but I mainly took a break, I also did not take Joey out and socialize him at pet stores or anywhere public. I think this sudden introduction back into the dog show world was too much for Joey.  I am going to start training regularly again and taking Joey to pet stores and parking lots to practice. hopefully that will get him up to par by our next trial at the end of March.

I did find out I made another dumb mistake this weekend. It turns out that BN is a considered a Obedience title and if you have it you must enter Rally B. So the leg I earned last weekend does not count. So last weekends trial was full of mistakes and left me wanting a new brain. 

But I've learned to:
 1. Not enter shows on dirt floors in the winter.
2. Triple check and confirm with other people my armband number. 
3. BN is an Obedience title
4. I need to enter Rally Excellent B
5.I cannot let Joey hibernate in the winter.
6. Even with stupid mistakes dog shows are a lot of fun and I can't wait to start competing more regularly again.