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    The last two weeks have been crazy busy.  We've been to Carmel for the Del Monte Kennel Club Trials, and to Reno for the Truckee Meadows Dog Training Club Trials.  Two very different venues and experiences, all building Spur's exposure to different performance conditions.

    The bad news is that although we've now been in the ring ten times, we have yet to earn a leg towards our Utility Dog title. 

    The reality check is that this is not unusual.  In all the trials we've been in so far, we've seen only two dogs qualify at the Utility A level.   This is one tough class!

    And the good news is that I can sense Spur is gaining confidence, and along with that, so am I.

    Trainer Mary Vogler tells me this is all a part of the journey.  There are dogs, she says, who do get three utility legs fairly quickly, and then fall apart when they move on to B level, because they have not built an adequately strong foundation.  She says she's not worried this is taking a little time.  Especially since I can see the progress.

    What does that mean?  It means that Spur is having fun in the ring.  He is an energetic performer and a delight to watch.  This spirit will carry him a long way.  It means that his confidence in his ability to do the exercises is growing.  And it means that he is becoming more and more consistent in his performances.

    I am also finding something new - a spirit of support among competitors that is stronger than I recall from past years.  Helpful guidance, moral support and a sense of collaboration that is a wonderful dimension of this endearing sport.

    All that said, Spur and I still face challenges.  In Carmel, we got down to the very last exercise, and with victory in sight, I made a beginner's error and gave a very poor signal.  Several people told me - kindly - that the failure was due to my mistake, and was not the fault of my dog. 

    In Reno, each day found us one mistake short of qualification.  Spur is on his way to conquering the challenging go-outs, but distractions or exuberance caused him to miss an article.  And he has somehow adopted the habit of the automatic finish - flipping around to heel position without my command.  It's not a failure, but it is major points off that will keep us out of ribbons when we get to B level.

    Our next show will be in Grass Valley over Labor Day weekend.  There will be tales to tell in the meantime, and high hopes for that event. 

    In the meantime, it's all a journey, and both Spur and I are still enjoying the trip.