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    Wtih just a few days left before the trials at CalExpo, I'm as concerned about my own conduct in the ring as I am about Spur's knowledge of the exercises.

    Truth be told, by now, he knows what to do - or else he doesn't.  However he performs, there's another world of ways I can help or hurt our performance.  To observers, the handler's actions must appear smooth and seamless.  But I know my brain will be whirring every second.

    My first goal will be to keep it fun for Spur, and hopefully for myself as well!  Though every handler has jangly nerves, I must try to convince Spur we're both having a ball.  I will give him a big smile whenever I can, so he constantly knows I'm happy with him.  In between exercises, I'm allowed to touch and praise him, within reason.

    In between exercises, we can also very quickly do a couple of little fun things, I can have him spin or run through my legs, both little actions he enjoys, and which help keep him energized.  I'll also heel him between exercises, with lots of praise, so he knows what a good boy he is.

    I may also tap my watch as we heel between exercises.  That's where treats come from in training, and it will remind him that there are rewards involved with this fun stuff!

    I'll also need to be as helpful as possible.  That means I should keep my stride uniform in heeling, glide in and out of the fast and slow, and pivot smoothly.  I'll be practicing this footwork right before we enter the ring for sure.

    I'll also need to be careful that my signals are smooth, generous and are not rushed.  Trainer Judie Howard always suggests that handlers give signals as if moving their arms through Jello.  There's such a tendency to respond to the stress of the ring with overly quick signals. 

    I can also pause ever so briefly if Spur happens to look away when I'm giving a signal.  A signal he does not see will mean certain failure.

    Of course, it's also all important to avoid error.  I can be marked down just as much as Spur.  A second command, even unintended, perhaps with a body motion, is a failure.  I must listen to the judge carefully and follow directions exactly.  It's all too easy to turn in the wrong direction or signal my dog to an incorrect jump.  Sloppy handling, cajoling, a step forward at the wrong moment . . . there's a long list of mistakes that can cause a handler to lose points for an excellent dog.

    Finally, I must be prepared to deal with issues.  What if I sense I'm losing Spur's attention and interest?  What if he becomes distracted by activity in another ring?  What if he is looking away at a crucial moment? 

    In many cases, there are things I can do within the rules - for example, a second "heel" command is points off, but not a failure.  But I must be alert and ready to respond.  There is no time to think through these decisions.

    Once we enter the ring, Spur will do what he will do.  And I hope I have prepared him to do well!  I, on the other hand, will be facing a barrage of options and opportunity.

    I hope I can pull it off for him!