Thursdays are obedience night. I loaded up the Honda with 2 dogs, 2 single jumps, the new ring jump, a tunnel, a dog walk (board and 2 bricks), and one panel of a broad jump. For the first half of puppy class we socialized, worked on recalls to owners and others, and did some on leash walking. We circled up and weaved between the other dogs and owners.
Finally it was everyone's favorite part, we unloaded the agility equipment out of the car and set it up. The broad jump was new so we worked it first until folks were getting the dogs over it. It was really too big for the min fox terrier but Remi learned to jump off of it tonight. We then let each puppy run the course twice. Since the owners really don't need me to help with the obstacles on the course, I got to take photos. The Picasa Web Album server seems to be down currently but I hope to post the pictures to the Stately Warren Manor Picasa site soon.
I worked Bern for a few minutes on various exercises to keep his obedience brain functioning. I then took Grace to her Novice class. Tracey is doing all 4 days at Gulfport so she was not available. John Runnels, with Khay assisting, taught our obedience class this evening. Grace was the only other doggie student. When we got ready to practice the Figure 8 exercise we had to use each handler/dog team as 2 posts. Grace did much better than I thought she might sitting as a post by herself. Her off-lead healing is continuing to improve. We had nice crisp recalls with no anticipation of the command. John did a stand for exam with cookies in the other hand...no grumbles (there is hope yet). It was on to sits and downs... Grace managed a 1 minute 45 second sit and a 4 minute or so down. I treated her a couple of times during each exercise. She let me walk around her both times on a the return without the exorist head spins I used to get. Since Grace and Khay both do Rally, John encouraged us to work Rally turns and moves (see signs near end of AKC rule book). Grace needs some work on the Schutzhund About Turn and 1 Step, 2 Step, 3 Step sequences both forward and backward before the trial in May. Need to practice healing between cones too.
I have packed up most of the dog-related stuff for Gulfport. I need to pack up myself in the morning before I leave for work. Then I will only need to grab the kids and some food for me before I leave Friday PM. Looking forward to this weekend. USDAA is tough for Bern but I'm sure we will have a great time. I've packed my camera so we can capture our success.
