I did it...

[Milesmom]

Entered Utility, that is. I got the confirmation email yesterday and thought, oh boy, I really did do that, didn't I.


His training is moving right along since I started focusing on it in earnest. We've been working on all the utility skills for a long time, but over the summer, I got to practicing more agility. Then in August, I refocused. The utility skills are really coming along. I've been practicing in parks and fields-we've had soccer practice next to us, we've had cross country teams running by, one day we even had the hiking hounds come through. He does pretty well with all that going on around him, then last night in class, he was a real rock star! Hi run outs and directed jumping was stellar. Boy, if he can work like that in the ring, we should do okay. If only, right? Now, my instructor is having us do little proofing excersizes with the gloves, articles and signals. Refining.

We have a "fun match" this Sunday. Then there are several run throughs I plan to get to. Hopefully, all this exposure will help me keep my head when it is time for the real thing. That's always the issue. The pressure gets to me and I behave differently and confuse and worry my dog. I want to avoid that. I want to keep it fun for bud.

Anyway, I entered YABTC and CABTC. October and November will be busy! Keep your fingers crossed for us!

[debjen]

Good luck..you'll do great

[Belles mom]

Good luck!

[2yellowlabs]

Ann - Good for you - might as well plunge right it. I'm not sure if I'll be at YABTC but I will be at CABTC to do prize tabulating. I might enter Shamrock in Rally to start his RAE. Haven't decided for sure. I'll lend all the support I can. B

[Milesmom]

Oh good, Betsy. It is always good to have someone rooting for you.

[patm]

Wheeeeeeeee!!!!!

[ObedienceLabs4Me]

Awesome Ann!!!!!

[windycanyon]

Have fun! I always like to enter Open w/ the thought that it's just practice, so if by chance we qualify, I'm thrilled. Will take the same approach to Utility when we finally get there. Anne

[lcspt]

Best of luck to you ......... remember to breathe and have a great time!!!

[Milesmom]

Thanks for the well wishes everyone!

When we work the utility excersizes, Miles is really getting it. I was working him in our driveway last night and he nailed his go outs but got a little confused on the signal to stand. He's up to about 90% on that. Directed retrieves and articles were awesome! My husband commented that his work ethic has changed. Now he sees that Miles is excited just waiting for the command to do something, like looking forward to it. Where in the past, he was just kind of "huh, okay, I just hope I do what you want so I get a cookie". Now he's excited to leap to the job. I love that!

We have a match coming up this Sunday. I am looking forward to seeing how we do in a "show setting".