Well on a positive note. For the most part, I think did a smooth job of handling the jump parts of the jumpers courses over the weekend. I don't think Bern knocked a bar or took an off course jump all weekend on a jumpers course. Bern and/or I managed to mess up his weave entry or weaving during each run. Hence... no jumpers Qs for Fri, Sat, or Sun. We still haven't managed to clean run in open jumpers. He gets running too quickly to weave 12 poles in the middle of the jumpers course. I'm going to start throttling down the speed a few jumps before the weaves so he has better momentum control in the poles.
I think our excellent level standard runs were better at this trial than our first try at excellent at the last trial. Nedra thinks my handling is getting smoother and I feel less frantic out on the course. We couldn't get a clean set of weaves on any course (some entry issues, some momentum issues). He took out one panel jump, had a few off course obstacles, and blew a start line stay (which I then promptly mishandled by not screaming at him to change direction or at least hollow his name to keep in out of the off course tunnel).
I'm bummed about FAST. Each of his Sends had 3 obstacles. Both days I managed to handle the first 2 obstacles from outside the "box" and then not get him over/through the 3rd obstacle. It was totally my bad on Fri, I took my eyes off him for a split second to turn my back and run to get ahead. He popped of the tunnel and I wasn't giving him any direction (verbally or visually) and he shot right past the jump. Bad, bad handler. On Sat, most dogs were failing to go climb the A-frame (2nd obstacle) from an awkward tunnel exit. On the first try, I got Bern to run up the A-frame and then he bailed off sideways toward me from the A-frame down side before touching the yellow contact zone. Bad, bad dog.
Nedra and Tracey watched my various (failed) attempts to get Bern in the weave poles and keep him there. Collectively, we have come up with a handling plan for the weaves. I tried it on both runs Sun and I think his attempts at weaving were better. Before LCCOC in 2 weeks he will get lots of exercise (to lose the pesky 3 pounds he has gained) and practice sets of 12 weaves numerous times. I'm sure I'll benefit from any additional exercise we both get.
On a cheery note, I think Michael Loftis will have enough nice photos of both guys to do collages after the LCCOC show. I need to remember to email him so we can put the order together during the trial. I just checked his website, no posting for this weekend yet. I found Megan Foster's Youtube videos of her agility runs. Megan is much more serious about this sport than me. She has uploaded some of her videos from the Amite trial. After I watch her, I wish I had 15 year old legs again instead of my 40+ pair.
As I type this, Bern is snoring loudly on the living room floor (likely colder than his bed or the area rug). He is worn out after 3 days of running. My back was really tired this morning (find and take a better back support chair). I must not overbook us in the upcoming 3 and 4 day trials.
