Hi – Fran here! Last week I told you how happy I was with my boys, Tango and Booker. Each of them competed for the first time in a new venue and they did tremendously well. Tango got 2 qualifying legs in Novice Rally Obedience and Booker his first qualifying leg in Beginner Novice Obedience. Over the last few days reality has set in.
Last weekend Booker competed in his very first Agility trial. This was at a huge indoor soccer complex. Huge, noisy, lots of people, lots of dogs. Lots of distractions on the floor. Actually, Booker did really well. He stayed with me for the most part, and he came back to me when he went further afield and I called him. On Sunday Booker actually qualified in Novice Jumpers with Weaves! It wasn’t pretty, but it was an improvement over Saturday. I was happy with him. Qualifying in Novice means that Booker did all the obstacles in order and that he had fewer than 3 refusals or off-course obstacles, and he did all 6 weave poles within 3 tries – all this under the set course time. (He needs 2 more qualifying runs to get his Novice Agility Jumpers title.)
And then last night at our agility class my good boy was nowhere to be found. Booker only wanted to be with the very attractive Papillon in class. Our instructor said she could practically see the little hearts thumping out of his eyes. He didn’t want his toy. He didn’t want his treats. He didn’t want me. So frustrating. Yes, the set was difficult and Booker had to think, but I’m not into excuses. I’ll have to up the ante! Better toys, better treats, more interesting me!
Congrats to Booker for qualifying for Novice! Not all dogs can remain as focused as he did to think there were lots of other things going around him!