Well, it was not the best weekend we've ever had. Technically, we did not meet *any* of our four goals. Here were my goals as I laid out a few entries ago:
1) Be more consistent! We are a pretty good team, but I think I let my concentration lapse at times which results in some not so good results
2) Qualify in 6 runs, for a 66% success rate or greater.
3) Specifically - qualify in at least one standard (MAD), at least one jumpers (JCH), and...
4) Win Steeplechase. We have never done this, and I *know* we are capable.
Here is how it went:
1) We were *very* inconsistent. Our start line stays were horrendous. Our contacts were so-so (hard to say because I only got to attempt one dogwalk, which was very bad). I felt that my concentration was there, but a family matter was likely clouding my concentration.
2) We qualified in 3 runs, so definitely didn't meet this goal.
3) We *did* get our Jumpers leg to complete our Jumpers Champion! Woohoo! However both standard runs were a complete mess. We walked off of both. On Saturday, she broke her start line stay so we messed up the opening, and then she broke her table stay so I chose to leave because the A-Frame was right after the table. I was in horrible position for the a-frame and didn't want her to have a bad one. On a positive note, the table was pretty good both days! I don't remember exactly what happened Sunday... I think we went off course early and then I walked off after a spectacular leap on the DW.
4) She popped the weave poles which threw me for a loop, and after fixing this she went in the wrong end of a tunnel. We had a few mistakes later on in the course as well - including Panic leaving me to air scent!!!
All in all, it was a rather odd weekend. I think it was first outdoor trial of the year syndrome... looking back on it, last year's first trial outside was also awful. She actually left the ring several times to go sniffing. This is so unlike her, but now that it's happened two years in a row, I guess maybe there is a pattern here! It's funny - I like running outside better, and it used to be that pretty much all trials we ran were outside, so that's all the dogs knew. Definitely not the case anymore!
So, we definitely have to work on some things. Outdoor stays and outdoor contacts are highest on our list.
Some bright notes for the weekend:
1) the table, as I mentioned above. Both days were pretty good! (or maybe just in comparison to the rest of the standard runs??) I felt like she didn't waste much time here at all.
2) We did get our jumper champion with a 2nd place, an 11th snooker q, and a 1st and super Q to boot, and a relay leg with Sheri Kaiser and Wyatt (NSTDR). Panic and Wyatt got 1st place. So, we did get some top ten points this weekend...
3) We *almost* got the gamble on Saturday. I am not sure what went wrong, but overall the run was actually very good. I was happy with this one.
4) It was just a fun weekend with the dogs. It was nice to get them out and walk them around the site - Saturday had GORGEOUS weather.
5) I ran Neat for my mom this weekend. Both jumpers runs were a lot of fun to run, and she Qd Sunday. Not so much luck with the *rest* of our runs, but Neener pants is always fun at least :)
5) The pods were funny, as usual. Those dogs make me smile, a lot.
4.21.2009
4.15.2009
AKC Mixed Breed Program
So, yesterday AKC announced that they are implementing a mixed breed program. We will be allowed to list our mixes beginning October of 09 and begin competing in Agility, Rally, and Obedience April '10. The stipulations are... the mixes will NOT be competing in the same class as the purebred dogs. Also they will have different title designations. So, Panic can't get a MACH, she can only get a MACH-M. Not sure why they would do that really. They are also not eligible to compete in invitationals or national competitions, or at shows where all-breed conformation shows are occuring concurrently.
I'm not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, Andy and I do videography exclusively at AKC (well ok, a few CPE too) shows. So, if Panic could compete there as well, we'd get more ring time and become a more experienced, better team probably. We also have a LOT of AKC locally where I could compete without having to travel. However, I *enjoy* USDAA a lot more.
I don't like being segregated from the purebred dogs. I don't know the purpose... I don't know why they wouldn't want to have us compete against one another. Afraid the purebred dogs would beat the mixes? That's the *only* reason I see for not allowing mixes to compete at nationals. Invitationals make sense - that's a competition you get to go to if you are top in your breed.
I guess AKC is just taking an "all dogs are equal, some are just more equal than others" stance on the subject. Weird.
All said though - I am sure I will participate with Panic, for the aforementioned reasons. That is, if the clubs decide to offer the mix classes. They can elect not to. For the mix classes they will have to offer another set of ribbons, which adds cost. And because AKC has entry limits, and around here is is not always filled but usually fairly close, they may not end up getting any more entries due to the mixes, but we will increase their expenses, so I can see why they may *not* even offer the class. Hmph.
I'm not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, Andy and I do videography exclusively at AKC (well ok, a few CPE too) shows. So, if Panic could compete there as well, we'd get more ring time and become a more experienced, better team probably. We also have a LOT of AKC locally where I could compete without having to travel. However, I *enjoy* USDAA a lot more.
I don't like being segregated from the purebred dogs. I don't know the purpose... I don't know why they wouldn't want to have us compete against one another. Afraid the purebred dogs would beat the mixes? That's the *only* reason I see for not allowing mixes to compete at nationals. Invitationals make sense - that's a competition you get to go to if you are top in your breed.
I guess AKC is just taking an "all dogs are equal, some are just more equal than others" stance on the subject. Weird.
All said though - I am sure I will participate with Panic, for the aforementioned reasons. That is, if the clubs decide to offer the mix classes. They can elect not to. For the mix classes they will have to offer another set of ribbons, which adds cost. And because AKC has entry limits, and around here is is not always filled but usually fairly close, they may not end up getting any more entries due to the mixes, but we will increase their expenses, so I can see why they may *not* even offer the class. Hmph.
4.14.2009
Goals for this coming weekend
We are showing at K9 Athletes this coming weekend. We are entered in 9 events:
M Standard x2
M Jumpers x2
M Snooker x2
M Gamblers
M Relay
Steeplechase
I have a few goals for Panic and I as a team:
1) Be more consistent! We are a pretty good team, but I think I let my concentration lapse at times which results in some not so good results
2) Qualify in 6 runs, for a 66% success rate or greater.
3) Specifically - qualify in at least one standard (MAD), at least one jumpers (JCH), and...
4) Win Steeplechase. We have never done this, and I *know* we are capable.
So, I'm putting the pressure on myself this weekend to be focused and there for Panic. I'm going to walk my courses thoroughly. I'm going to visualize success :) And we'll see how that goes!
M Standard x2
M Jumpers x2
M Snooker x2
M Gamblers
M Relay
Steeplechase
I have a few goals for Panic and I as a team:
1) Be more consistent! We are a pretty good team, but I think I let my concentration lapse at times which results in some not so good results
2) Qualify in 6 runs, for a 66% success rate or greater.
3) Specifically - qualify in at least one standard (MAD), at least one jumpers (JCH), and...
4) Win Steeplechase. We have never done this, and I *know* we are capable.
So, I'm putting the pressure on myself this weekend to be focused and there for Panic. I'm going to walk my courses thoroughly. I'm going to visualize success :) And we'll see how that goes!
4.10.2009
Dexter Agility Update
Dexter has now had 3 weeks of group classes. I am THRILLED with how he is doing. He just loves it. His class is after 2 hrs of waiting - one class where I'm running Panic, and one class where I teach. When I get him out of the crate, I potty him, and then when we come inside he is just trembling with excitement :) I guess he likes it!
I am starting him over on the teeter, using a method suggested to me by Elizabeth Evans. The end behavior is the dog running to the end of the board and laying down (or crouching in play bow) and maintaining that position while the board drops. I got a chance to try it yesterday. The teeter is starting out full height, with something wedged under it so it doesn't drop at all. I started him out at the end, asking for the down. He is so cute about it, he curls his little paws around the end of the board so he doesn't slip at all, and hugs and hangs on :) Right now the board is completely stationary. Then I backchained and had him run just part of the board to the end to "down". He absolutely loves this so far! can't wait to try it out some more next week.
I am starting him over on the teeter, using a method suggested to me by Elizabeth Evans. The end behavior is the dog running to the end of the board and laying down (or crouching in play bow) and maintaining that position while the board drops. I got a chance to try it yesterday. The teeter is starting out full height, with something wedged under it so it doesn't drop at all. I started him out at the end, asking for the down. He is so cute about it, he curls his little paws around the end of the board so he doesn't slip at all, and hugs and hangs on :) Right now the board is completely stationary. Then I backchained and had him run just part of the board to the end to "down". He absolutely loves this so far! can't wait to try it out some more next week.
Splash n Dash Sunday
Ok here's my wrap up for Sunday:
M Snooker: I still needed only 1 leg for my Snooker Champion, and promised myself I would go for the conservative plan... but 3 of the 4 reds were right next to the 7 (jump -> 6 weaves)! So, I did 6-7-7-7. We ended up getting 3rd place and a superQ, along with our Snooker Champion title :) I was pleased with this run.
M Gamblers: The run went well, but the gamble was tough... I knew we weren't likely to get it. It was jump to a tunnel, and a 90 degree turn away from the handler at the end of a tunnel to a jump, then wrap the jump one way or the other, and do the last jump (which is what the dog sees coming out of the tunnel). We are really bad at gambles.
M Standard: Ok, I was nervous. We only needed 1 standard leg now for our MAD. But I tried to keep my cool and I thought I did a pretty good job. It was a very do-able course for us. But, we got a refusal on the 3rd jump (I didn't support her well enough after the chute). She also was running slowly. On the table, she didn't argue with me, but just stood there wagging her tail. Then she looked at her butt. Weird. I thought she had to poop so I left the ring, but seems she didn't have to go afterall.
Steeplechase Rd 2: She did very well!! I was very happy with this run, except I decided NOT to do a FC after the A-Frame (2nd to the last obstacle) and we ended up getting an off course.... BUMMER! She would have solidy had 3rd place if not for that. She is running well and fast again though!
M Jumpers: Again kind of pokey and not herself. I pulled her from the run half-way through.
When we got home, it was raining, but she wouldn't come in from the backyard because she was eating grass... fed them dinner and she promtly vomited. So I guess she wasn't feeling good at the end of the day.
Overall, even though we only got 4/9 Qs, I am pretty happy with the weekend. I'd like to see our Q rate closer to 75-80% but gamblers isn't going to help us out there at all... She is running very well though and contacts are coming along!
M Snooker: I still needed only 1 leg for my Snooker Champion, and promised myself I would go for the conservative plan... but 3 of the 4 reds were right next to the 7 (jump -> 6 weaves)! So, I did 6-7-7-7. We ended up getting 3rd place and a superQ, along with our Snooker Champion title :) I was pleased with this run.
M Gamblers: The run went well, but the gamble was tough... I knew we weren't likely to get it. It was jump to a tunnel, and a 90 degree turn away from the handler at the end of a tunnel to a jump, then wrap the jump one way or the other, and do the last jump (which is what the dog sees coming out of the tunnel). We are really bad at gambles.
M Standard: Ok, I was nervous. We only needed 1 standard leg now for our MAD. But I tried to keep my cool and I thought I did a pretty good job. It was a very do-able course for us. But, we got a refusal on the 3rd jump (I didn't support her well enough after the chute). She also was running slowly. On the table, she didn't argue with me, but just stood there wagging her tail. Then she looked at her butt. Weird. I thought she had to poop so I left the ring, but seems she didn't have to go afterall.
Steeplechase Rd 2: She did very well!! I was very happy with this run, except I decided NOT to do a FC after the A-Frame (2nd to the last obstacle) and we ended up getting an off course.... BUMMER! She would have solidy had 3rd place if not for that. She is running well and fast again though!
M Jumpers: Again kind of pokey and not herself. I pulled her from the run half-way through.
When we got home, it was raining, but she wouldn't come in from the backyard because she was eating grass... fed them dinner and she promtly vomited. So I guess she wasn't feeling good at the end of the day.
Overall, even though we only got 4/9 Qs, I am pretty happy with the weekend. I'd like to see our Q rate closer to 75-80% but gamblers isn't going to help us out there at all... She is running very well though and contacts are coming along!
4.07.2009
Splash n Dash trial wrap-up
Panic, Neat, and Fada competed at the Splash n Dash USDAA trial in Pittsburgh this past weekend.
Panic had a GREAT weekend. She kind of fizzled out at the end, but we got 4Qs out of 9 runs. She got her 10th snooker Q to finish her Snoooker Champion title, her 9th jumper Q, her 2nd standard Q, and her 7th Steeplechase Q. We are now just 1 standard leg short of our MAD :)
She and I are doing well together this year. I think our communication is better in tune - I have noticed that she is reading my deceleration especially well, which helps her to make some turns tighter than some of the BCs, which we really need to be able to do to make up for shorter legs!
Here's a rundown of each class and how it went:
Saturday
Masters Relay: We ran with mom and Neat. Panic took the second half (with the weave poles and DW). She missed her DW contact - I think because I was pulling to the weaves too early. The rest was good though. She even held a startline stay (I didn't ask her to hold it for long, but she did hold it until I releasd) after getting the baton from mom. Her and Neat didn't seem to buzz Panic too much - a first for us. Neat had a wrong course so we did E, but I thought the rest of her half was pretty good.
Masters Standard: I thought our down DW was really close, but we didn't get it called. I will have to review the tape and see what it looks like, but it was not my ideal performance. I think I was worried about it though bc of relay and might have slowed my stride or leaned in towards her. BAD MOM! Table was not bad for us! I think we may have only lost 4 seconds here. She was clean, and I think got 3rd place (maybe 4th). Yay Panic!
Steeplechase Round 1: Went well! She was fast, and clean. I did have one place I could have saved time though, there was a 90 degree turn after the AFrame to the WPs. I chose to do a FC, but did it too close to the AFrame so we had a mini collision into the poles. Didn't cause her to miss the entry but I'm sure added a bit of time. I was really happy though that even w/the FC her contact was nice! We made it to Rd2.
Masters Snooker: OOPS. Short run. 1-6a-6a WHISTLE. She broke her start line stay so I didn't get in the position I wanted. I wanted her to take the back side of 6a but instead she took it from the front, turned the wrong way, and back-jumped. I should have read her turn better and compensated for it.
Masters Jumpers: I felt like this was an awful run. Really wide turns and late cues. But we Qd with a 3rd or 4th place! So I guess everyone else must have had wide turns too :)
I will post about Sunday, and post the videos and pictures, later on.
Panic had a GREAT weekend. She kind of fizzled out at the end, but we got 4Qs out of 9 runs. She got her 10th snooker Q to finish her Snoooker Champion title, her 9th jumper Q, her 2nd standard Q, and her 7th Steeplechase Q. We are now just 1 standard leg short of our MAD :)
She and I are doing well together this year. I think our communication is better in tune - I have noticed that she is reading my deceleration especially well, which helps her to make some turns tighter than some of the BCs, which we really need to be able to do to make up for shorter legs!
Here's a rundown of each class and how it went:
Saturday
Masters Relay: We ran with mom and Neat. Panic took the second half (with the weave poles and DW). She missed her DW contact - I think because I was pulling to the weaves too early. The rest was good though. She even held a startline stay (I didn't ask her to hold it for long, but she did hold it until I releasd) after getting the baton from mom. Her and Neat didn't seem to buzz Panic too much - a first for us. Neat had a wrong course so we did E, but I thought the rest of her half was pretty good.
Masters Standard: I thought our down DW was really close, but we didn't get it called. I will have to review the tape and see what it looks like, but it was not my ideal performance. I think I was worried about it though bc of relay and might have slowed my stride or leaned in towards her. BAD MOM! Table was not bad for us! I think we may have only lost 4 seconds here. She was clean, and I think got 3rd place (maybe 4th). Yay Panic!
Steeplechase Round 1: Went well! She was fast, and clean. I did have one place I could have saved time though, there was a 90 degree turn after the AFrame to the WPs. I chose to do a FC, but did it too close to the AFrame so we had a mini collision into the poles. Didn't cause her to miss the entry but I'm sure added a bit of time. I was really happy though that even w/the FC her contact was nice! We made it to Rd2.
Masters Snooker: OOPS. Short run. 1-6a-6a WHISTLE. She broke her start line stay so I didn't get in the position I wanted. I wanted her to take the back side of 6a but instead she took it from the front, turned the wrong way, and back-jumped. I should have read her turn better and compensated for it.
Masters Jumpers: I felt like this was an awful run. Really wide turns and late cues. But we Qd with a 3rd or 4th place! So I guess everyone else must have had wide turns too :)
I will post about Sunday, and post the videos and pictures, later on.
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