SacPaws.com

    It's 6:45 a.m. on Saturday morning, and Spur and I are on the road to Vacaville.  Our destination is the oversize metal-sided building that Cessie Banfield has set up for dog training on the property behind her home in this rural neighborhood.

    Once a month her business, Sky's the Limit, hosts an opportunity for handlers to practice under some very knowledgeable eyes.  For $25, we each get a chance to do two run-throughs, with guidance and feedback from Cessie and Stephanie Gomez, a certified AKC Judge.  Stephanie is well-known for judging her classes with a sharp eye and an absolute focus on fairness.  Her suggestions are invaluable. 

    This gathering is more serious than Alan Miller's energetic classes or the typical fun match.  Almost everyone here is getting ready to show or actively campaigning.  Among this morning's student participants is Judie Howard, one of Northern California's most accomplished dog trainers.  Judie has put the highest titles on an impressive and unlikely spectrum of breeds.  If she is here, I know I am definitely in the right place.

    The atmosphere is friendly, supportive, but reality-based.  Cessie and Stephanie don't hesitate to point out the issue areas, and other handlers don't hesitate to chime in.
    It's clear that Spur and I have a lot of problems. 

    In this tight venue, with other dogs distracting, Spur does not want to do his goes or signals.  Stephanie coaches me through some steps to help him.

    Many of the problems are mine.  I need to "glide" in and out of the fast and slow on heeling.  I need to practice right turns, as Spur tends to lag on those moves.  My signals are too fast.  My palm should be perpendicular to the ground, so Spur can see the signal more clearly.

    Spur takes a wrong jump, and I stand in a coma, rather than breaking him off before the error is reinforced.  I walk away from him on the stand for exam, and as I turn I take a few steps backwards.  We have a sloppy turn when we rotate for the glove exercise.

    All these mistakes are points off or failures, or omissions that are likely to lead to failure.  The problems are mine as often as Spur's.  We are both very green.

    Stephanie advises us to get to the show grounds extra early, to get Spur comfortable in the environment.  She urges me to wear an outfit with contrasting sleeves - perhaps a vest - so my signals can be clearly seen. 

    On this gray and chilly morning my spirits are also feeling a little dampened.  I have lots of good advice and hopes.  Spur was terrific on articles, the moving stand, and gloves were OK.  But the goes and signals are clearly weak. 

    Everyone who saw us today will be rightfully surprised if we pass.  I will be surprised.
    But hope springs eternal, it's what keeps us going.  We have ten days to go.

    That's time enough for a lot to happen.