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    The original plan for Memorial Day was straightforward.  Go to Hangtown Kennel Obedience Trials in Placerville, and win utility legs.

    Alas, it didn't work out that way.  Based on the debacle at the Coyote Club Trials, our trainer recommended - no wait, she urged us to pull our entry - and focus on the next set of trials.

    That means we'll be back in Vallejo on June 7 and 8, giving it a whirl at those indoor trials.

    In the meantime, we're trying to figure out what the problems are, and be as solid as we can.

    The problems, trainer Mary Vogler assures me, are nothing out of the ordinary.  Dogs are situational she continuously reminds me.  That is Point 1.  Spur does a great job in our yard, in the park, in the class at Alan's or the Lodi training facility we visit.

    Those are all places known to him, and comfortable. 

    Mary' has been to take him to as many different places as possible. 

    That's a bit of a challenge when it means finding a new spot to set up a ring, or at least run around a bit.  But we're doing our best.  We've practiced heeling and signals outside the automatic doors at Raley's and in the cookie aisles at PetSmart.

    We practiced go outs and directed retrieves at a Folsom park that is tucked away behind the Rotary club. 

    We set up our ring in Fair Oaks' Phoenix Field, and did the whole utility routine without a cookie in sight until the entire series of exercises was complete.

    And in doing all this, I learned that Spur, indeed is not "solid". 

    Which brings me to Point 2, the all important concept of Training With a True Eye.  My true eye tells me what my heart doesn't want to see.  Spur may look away at a key moment and miss a signal.  He may be uncertain on the go out.  He is sometimes over excited and brings back the first article he encounters, rather than the one that has been scented.

    Nonetheless, in early June we'll give it a whirl again.  And then we'll take a break to reassess and rebuild our mutual confidence and certainty.

    So far, the challenge remains far more fun than frustrating.  Training is therapy for me, and Spur loves to go and do and demonstrate his understanding of all my wishes.

    We are a team with noteworthy strengths, and weaknesses we can conquer together.  And the campaign trail still feels like the right place to be.