Bad, Bad Blogger

Reliant time is here again. This is always the most special show of the year for me because with out it I would not have started competing. 

This year due to finances only Phlox will be showing. He is signed up for three days of Graduate novice obedience. I'm not worried about this level because he has been doing all of the exercises for a long time and has no issues to work through.

He is also signed up for two days of conformation. With me as the handler! I feel like it's time to bite the bullet and do it. I doubt that he will win any points since there are upwards of 30 amstaffs entered but I intend to at least look like I know what I'm doing.

Hopefully I can start blogging more in the near future. Life just always seems to get in the way.

New Titles

On Friday Phlox earned his Beginner Novice title. He won his class with a score of 197. I could not be more proud of him.

The best part of his run was the figure 8. All of the extra work I have put into it over the last few weeks paid off and other than him crowding a little on the inside turn it was picture perfect.

Now that Beginner Novice is out of the way we will enter Graduate Novice.

On Saturday Phlox earned his Rally Advance title with a score of 99 and first place. He was a little distracted but kept his focus and took the jump very nicely.

Now we need to start training those pesky new Rally Excellent signs.

Pictures

I haven't had time to blog lately but here is a photo update of whats been going on.

We are back in tracking class and doing well.

Phlox earned his second BN leg and first place.

He also got second in Rally and his second RA leg the same day but no picture.

And the boys are training hard for this summer.

Phlox's Rally advance run

Dog Park

In preparation for the AKC Rally National Invitational I have upped Phlox's training in regards to focus. He has come a long way since his last trial and I am really enjoying the process.

Today we worked right out side of a dog park. I've made it my goal to try to work around as many dog parks as possible before nationals. It kind of simulates the hustle and bustle of a dog show and we need that.

Here are a couple of short videos. I'm really trying to film myself more often because every time I do I see something that I could be doing better. If you aren't in the habit of videoing your training sessions start!

I couldn't resist a few pictures as well

Like mommy like daughter. Baby with Phlox's dumbbell 

A Little Bit O Chuck

Charlie got to accompany me to class today. He has been out of training since October and it showed. He was still his charming, eager self just with a little less polish. I often forget to stop and remember just how amazing this dog is.

Everyone else sees Chuck as an attentive, smart, handsome boy. Like this....

I see him as a goofy, loveable, dim wit like this....

Either way he is a joy to work with. He is getting ready for several UKC Rally and Obedience trials coming up. I'm also hoping to have him in the CDX ring this summer.

Big thank you to my friend over at 2 Dogs, One Camera for the pictures!

Rally National Competition

Phlox and I qualified for the first ever AKC Rally National Competition. I can't wait to not only compete but to watch the Obedience and Agility competitions as well. 

Firsts

Last weekend was full of firsts

1. My first time showing in conformation
2. Phlox's first time in Rally Advance 
3. Mine and Phlox's first time in Beginner Novice 
4. My first time forgetting my dogs name and the name of a command in the ring...We'll get to that later.

Rally advanced was pretty uneventful. We lost points when I kind of had to guide him over the jump because he wasn't crazy about leaving heel position. He was a little distracted and had one slow response but he did a good job and ended up with a 98 and second place.

Beginner Novice could not have gone worse in my book. I tensed up and did not remember most of my foot work on the heel resulting in a couple of sloppy turns and sits. I did manage to keep my head about me on the about turn (yay me!). I went around the ring the wrong way during the sit stay. Worst of all I forgot Phlox's name and the "come" command on the recall. I was standing there listening for the command "call your dog" and when it came I blanked "Charrrrrlllllll......????"my voice trailed off and my right hand went up in frustration at myself. Phlox came towards me at full speed and went to do a right finish. When my arm came back down he stopped and did a perfect front. 

I'm not sure how but we qualified with a 192 and first place. 

I wish I knew why I was so nervous about this class. I did manage to stay on the positive side for the most part and when I felt myself slipping I simply put Phlox away and went off to talk to friends for awhile. 

Saturday and Sunday I showed Boykin Spaniels in Conformation. My Professional handler sister needed a few extra hands and so my non dog show sister and I stepped up to help. It was pretty fun showing with my sisters but I think I will continue to let my handler sister and her hubby show Phlox for me. After all he's not suppose to heel in the conformation ring. 

Phlox also won winners dog a week ago for his very first point! 

Nerves

With Phlox's first obedience trial coming up on Friday I am getting nervous. I always get nervous its not something I have ever had control over.

Phlox has been doing very well with his training. He still gets distracted every now and then but even on a bad day he has moments of brilliants.

Even though I can't control my nerves I can control what comes out of the experience. 
I will be the one in the ring smiling and learning from my mistakes.

Train to win. Trial to learn.

All Grown Up

Phlox is 2! He turned 2 on January 4th right before heading off to a show with his Auntie and Uncle.
It was a good weekend and Phlox won Winnners Dog and his very first point! He also got Reserve the next day. I don't have any pictures from the show yet but here is one of the ribbons he brought back.

  I finally feel like I'm not throwing my money away entering him in Conformation. Hopefully it will only get better from here.

It's hard to believe just how tiny he use to be.

The day we met. 1 week old

4 month old cutie!

2 years and going strong!

Just look at my sexy boy.

He is such a great dog and no matter how old he gets he will always be my puppy.

Show Dog

Most of the time I totally forget that I got Phlox to show not just in Obedience but Conformation as well.

My sister is handling him for me in the breed ring. She often laments the fact that I have "broken" him. "he wont stop looking at me" "He wont watch the treat" "He wont run out front" "He's pacing not gating" and on it goes.  

Here is is in class Tuesday night Strutting his stuff while my sister tries to "fix" him.

He is headed off to a show this weekend and I'm keeping my finger crossed for a point or two but honestly I don't care if he ever finishes. He is one hell of a "broken" dog.

Wordless Wednesday