Stories of Spur: Dogging it in competition - michelemc's Blog - SacPaws.com http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc Spur competes in AKC obedience trials. He is a miniature schnauzer. This will chronicle his life on the "campaign trial" as he and his handler compete against dogs of all breeds for high titles. Spur competes in AKC obedience trials. He is a miniature schnauzer. This will chronicle his life on the "campaign trial" as he and his handler compete against dogs of all breeds for high titles. en-us Spur Goes UD! http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/467 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/467 First, an apology.&nbsp; I have been remiss in keeping Spur's blog up to date.&nbsp; This was pointed out to me by several people this weekend. I am so delighted to learn we have several followers - that I promise to do a better job going forward!<br /> <br /> Life has intervened.&nbsp; Work has been crazy.&nbsp; My husband had a brief and scary health episode - he is fine now.<br /> <br /> But through it all, Spur and I have been working.<br /> <br /> Earlier this month, in Carson City, Spur earned his second UD leg.&nbsp; We showed early in the morning, on cold wet grass, and I very much feared for the down.&nbsp; On the first day, something spooked Spur as he ran for the articles, and he did a sudden about turn and raced back to me with nothing.<br /> <br /> But on the second day he was a trooper and came through gangbusters.<br /> <br /> Speaking of bust - that's how we went at the San Joaquin Kennel Club in Galt.&nbsp; We were a disaster, and we learned a lesson - make like a Boy Scout and always be prepared.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Although she had signed in, the exhibitor immediately ahead of us could not be found, and Spur and I were called to the ring without our usual preparation routine.&nbsp; The result, alas, was not pretty.<br /> <br /> I had great fears as we approached the Donner Trail trials.&nbsp; We practiced at the well organized match the night before in a drizzling rain.&nbsp; Overnight downpours ensured the grass remained wet for the trial.&nbsp; But no matter.&nbsp; Spur did his stuff and we earned that all-important third leg.<br /> <br /> On Sunday, under beautiful conditions, he was among six or seven other dogs who missed signals.&nbsp; So he did not do the sit and we were out.<br /> <br /> No matter. He is a UD dog now and we are catapulted into a higher level which we approach with both concern and enthusiasm.<br /> <br /> We first entered the Utility ring in April.&nbsp; It wasn't until September that we earned our first leg.&nbsp; Now, five weeks later, we have a title.<br /> <br /> But our scores have not been good.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> The goes, once the absolute bain of our lives, are now executed beautifully and energetically.&nbsp; But our performances are filled with automatic finishes, crooked fronts, no sits, and a tendency to drop the articles.&nbsp; Hmmmm.&nbsp; We have a lot of work to do.<br /> <br /> I called my trainer, Mary Vogler, after today's show.&nbsp; My message was that the missed signal wasn't that important to me.&nbsp; It was an anomaly.&nbsp; But if we are to move forward successfully, we must work hard on the key issues that are dragging our scores down.<br /> <br /> That work begins next week.&nbsp; For now, however, it is time to celebrate.&nbsp; Spur is a Utility Dog!<br /> I couldn't be happier, nor could he be more proud.<br /> <br /> It is an important step for both of us.&nbsp; But it is just that - a step.&nbsp; There is much to come, and it is a journey we are going to love.&nbsp;


Title: Spur with ribbons earned at Donner Trail
Caption: S;pur earned his third UD leg at Donner Trail on October 4.
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Title: Spur with ribbons earned at Donner Trail
Caption: S;pur earned his third UD leg at Donner Trail on October 4.
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Spur with ribbons earned at Donner Trail S;pur earned his third UD leg at Donner Trail on October 4. Spur Earns His First Utility Leg! http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/421 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/421 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It has been a long time coming - or so it seems to us - but Spur has at last earned his first Utility Dog leg.&nbsp; It has taken a dozen shows.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Time and time again he has come so close, only to have a minor snafu mean failure.&nbsp; Other times, he has blown virtually every exercise.&nbsp; And oh yes, there were the times his handler was not all she should or could be.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We have been working hard, but there are always challenges.&nbsp; The heat, time constraints, work and all the other activities that are also important in my life.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But yesterday at the Gold Country Kennel Club show in Grass Valley, all the effort seemed very worthwhile indeed.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And our journey is not unusual for competition at this level.&nbsp; Time and time again I've been told that it can easily take 20 tries or more to win the Utility Dog title.&nbsp; Of course I've always hoped, that may be true for <em>some</em> people, but maybe not for us.&nbsp; Alas, it turns out we are a lot like the other teams out there in competition.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It must also be mentioned that our performance was not stellar.&nbsp; It was rife with no-sits and automatic finishes that cranked up the points off and left us with a barely-passing score of 172.5.&nbsp; &quot;Do you want me to announce the score out loud?&quot; the judge kindly asked.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I was too happy to mind, and the small crowd that had gathered seemed to me to give us an extra cheer.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Since we entered the Utility A ring for the first time in April we've seen only three dogs actually pass the class.&nbsp; And yesterday, we were the only qualifiers.&nbsp; Ergo, our humble success also netted us a blue ribbon.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We need two more successes to earn the Utiility Dog title, but this first leg feels BIG.&nbsp; We are both proud.&nbsp; We have overcome a psychological hurdle and we're ready to move on.&nbsp; Utility A, here we come!&nbsp;


Title: Spur poses with his Utility Dog ribbons
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Title: Spur poses with his Utility Dog ribbons
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Spur poses with his Utility Dog ribbons Points or Pass? http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/368 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/368 One of the questions every obedience handler must face is the issue of whether to go for points, or whether it is satisfactory to pass a class.<br /> <br /> The answer to that is as individual as every person, every dog, and every situation.<br /> <br /> For now Spur and I have been focused on passing the utility class.&nbsp; So far, we haven't been successful - but we are getting closer with every effort.&nbsp; And as that success seems to approach, I've been thinking more and more about the quality of our performances.<br /> <br /> Of course, in order to pass the classes, we must successfully complete each exercise.&nbsp; That is Priority Number 1.&nbsp; A close second is attitude in the ring.&nbsp; Increasingly, Spur is having fun, and it is a terrific thing to see that exuberance.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> But I am also aware that we are messing up on the details.&nbsp; In Reno, Spur suddenly decided that he understood the nature of the exercises a little too thoroughly - and the result was a series of automatic finishes.&nbsp; None of those are disqualifying, but each could have cost us three or more points off our score.<br /> <br /> In Carmel, the judge praised me for a good save on the articles exercise.&nbsp; As I heeled around to face the articles, Spur failed to move an inch - evidently transfixed by some activity outside the ring.&nbsp; And so I found myself facing the articles, while Spur sat to my right, facing directly away from the articles.<br /> <br /> Under the circumstances, I gave him the &quot;Find!&quot; command, and was delighted when he whipped around, ran to the pile, and brought me back the correct article.<br /> <br /> But there's a sensible school of thought that I did not make the best decision.&nbsp; Once we achieve the Utility Dog title, we will flip up into &quot;B&quot; level competition, where passing the class isn't good enough.&nbsp; To earn points toward the ultimate title - Obedience Trial Champion - performances must be nearly flawless.<br /> <br /> More than once I have seen top exhibitors sacrifice a potential passing score in order to ensure the dog understands what is expected.&nbsp; In that school of thinking, I should have repeated my heel command.&nbsp;&nbsp; That second command would disqualify me, but would also reinforce correct behavior in my dog.<br /> <br /> The Utility Dog title is a difficult one.&nbsp; In the 12 trials I've entered so far, I've seen only two dogs actually pass.&nbsp; So the goal of passing looms very large.&nbsp; It will feel like a very hard won accomplishment when it comes.<br /> <br /> But it isn't an end.&nbsp; It's the entry point to whole new level of competition, goals, possibilities.&nbsp; At this ground level struggle, I need to keep in mind that quality is everything.&nbsp; The real fun begins at B level - and both Spur and I want to be sure we are ready.


Title: Spur takes the bar jump at a match
Caption: Spur takes the bar during the directed jumping exercise at the 4th of July match at American River College.
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Title: Spur takes the bar jump at a match
Caption: Spur takes the bar during the directed jumping exercise at the 4th of July match at American River College.
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Spur takes the bar jump at a match Spur takes the bar during the directed jumping exercise at the 4th of July match at American River College. The Campaign Continues http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/352 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/352 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The last two weeks have been crazy busy.&nbsp; We've been to Carmel for the Del Monte Kennel Club Trials, and to Reno for the Truckee Meadows Dog Training Club Trials.&nbsp; Two very different venues and experiences, all building Spur's exposure to different performance conditions.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The reality check is that this is not unusual.&nbsp; In all the trials we've been in so far, we've seen only two dogs qualify at the Utility A level.&nbsp;&nbsp; This is one tough class!<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And the good news is that I can sense Spur is gaining confidence, and along with that, so am I.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Trainer Mary Vogler tells me this is all a part of the journey.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; She says she's not worried this is taking a little time.&nbsp; Especially since I can see the progress.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What does that mean?&nbsp; It means that Spur is having fun in the ring.&nbsp; He is an energetic performer and a delight to watch.&nbsp; This spirit will carry him a long way.&nbsp; It means that his confidence in his ability to do the exercises is growing.&nbsp; And it means that he is becoming more and more consistent in his performances.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I am also finding something new - a spirit of support among competitors that is stronger than I recall from past years.&nbsp; Helpful guidance, moral support and a sense of collaboration that is a wonderful dimension of this endearing sport.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All that said, Spur and I still face challenges.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Several people told me - kindly - that the failure was due to my mistake, and was not the fault of my dog.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In Reno, each day found us one mistake short of qualification.&nbsp; Spur is on his way to conquering the challenging go-outs, but distractions or exuberance caused him to miss an article.&nbsp; And he has somehow adopted the habit of the automatic finish - flipping around to heel position without my command.&nbsp; It's not a failure, but it is major points off that will keep us out of ribbons when we get to B level.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Our next show will be in Grass Valley over Labor Day weekend.&nbsp; There will be tales to tell in the meantime, and high hopes for that event.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In the meantime, it's all a journey, and both Spur and I are still enjoying the trip.


Title: Spur Is Ready for the Next Command
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Title: Spur Is Ready for the Next Command
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Spur Is Ready for the Next Command Matching It on 4th of July http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/331 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/331 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I start my 4th of July celebration the same way every year - at the Sacramento Dog Training Club's annual match, held at American River College.&nbsp; Some years I volunteer to help as a judge or steward, some years I'm just focused on taking advantage of a great training opportunity for my own dog.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This year it was all about Spur, and it was a terrific day.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The weather was cool, the venue was shady, the volunteers were experienced and well organized.&nbsp; A handler could hardly ask for more.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Perhaps because of current high gas prices, turnout was slightly less than it has been some years.&nbsp; There were only about a dozen dogs entered in the utility rings, and for that reason Alice Webber was able to give each of us some extra time.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For several years I trained with Alice, and her then-partner Marsha Dandridge (who now lives in Oregon and has gone on to become a fully accredited AKC judge).&nbsp; Alice is an expert, and she put us through our paces with some tough love.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Even at a match, it's all too easy to become distracted, nervous, or hurried, and completely lose the sense of what good handling is all about.&nbsp; Alice noticed that happening to me, and stepped in to set me straight with some excellent guidance that was fully in tune with the training methods I've been following with Mary Vogler.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In fact, Mary was also there, and watched us in the ring with a complete sense of approval.&nbsp; Afterwards, she was also able to add some further direction and reinforce the positives.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The biggest challenge remains the distractions.&nbsp; If I get a little nervous, a little harried in these settings - well, one can only imagine what Spur must be feeling.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And those feelings definitely show up in his performance.&nbsp; He may stare directly at me as a signal is given, and then ignore it completely.&nbsp; He may look away at a critical moment.&nbsp; He may feel uncertain.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The object of training and practice these days is, yes, to reinforce his knowledge of the exercises, but also to build his confidence.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I saw that confidence beginning to grow this weekend.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On the go-outs, for instance, I now create a little row of tubs of cookies he must run past to get to his destination.&nbsp; That has been difficult, but it is starting to happen.&nbsp; When the tubs go away - the exercise is suddenly far easier for him.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp; On Sunday, two days after the match, we were back at the park in the cool of the morning for more practice.&nbsp; Perhaps I'm delusional, but I believe I'm seeing incremental improvement.&nbsp; He seems to have an ever increasing sense of certainty about what he's doing.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This week will be very hot, and so we will not be able to get in much practice when I arrive home from work each day.&nbsp; On Friday, we head to Carmel for the annual trails put on by the Del Monte Dog Training Club.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I don't know what to expect.&nbsp; We'll do our best.&nbsp; Worst case, we'll come away a little wiser about all the things that can happen at a trial, and at least a little bit more prepared for the next big competition.


Title: Spur watches for his next command
Caption: Spur waits for his next command at the Sacramento Dog Training Club match held at American River College on the 4th of July.
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Title: Spur watches for his next command
Caption: Spur waits for his next command at the Sacramento Dog Training Club match held at American River College on the 4th of July.
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Spur watches for his next command Spur waits for his next command at the Sacramento Dog Training Club match held at American River College on the 4th of July. Keeping Perspective on Utility http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/300 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/300 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I have not been a very good blogger of late - life is very full!&nbsp; And we have been busy on the campaign trail.&nbsp; We were at two shows in Vallejo, we've been to Alan's class in <br /> Sacramento and spent much phone time and a class with Mary Vogler in Lodi.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The bottom line is that, for the moment, Spur remains a legless dog after six trials.&nbsp; One friend noted I haven't been blogging much of late, and said she hopes that doesn't mean I'm discouraged.&nbsp; I can't say I'm not discouraged, but I can say I am a realist and . . . forgive me . . . I am rather dogged about this.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One fact that helps me keep it real comes from the simple act of observing what happens at the trials I attend.&nbsp; In six shows, I've seen just two dogs qualify in Utility A.&nbsp; Proof positive, in case I hadn't noticed, that utility is tough, indeed.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And if I'd hoped to find solace in watching the B dogs, there is little there to warm the heart.&nbsp; Of late, it seems to be fairly typical that about a third of the class entries actually achieve qualifying scores.&nbsp; These are highly experienced dogs, and recognizing how many of them fail a given class is a tremendous reality check.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are signs of encouragement.&nbsp; At the show last week, once again, Spur refused to do his goes.&nbsp; But when our turn in the ring ended, Judge Rosalie Alvarez approached me with a smile and an enouraging comment.&nbsp; &quot;This is a good dog,&quot; she said of Spur.&nbsp; &quot;He's going to get there.&nbsp; Don't worry about today.&nbsp; Utility is hard!&quot;<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Also on the encouraging side, my friend Christine Johnson and her Corgi, Pearl, just completed their Utility Dog title- after a full year of trials.&nbsp; &quot;We struggled for so long with a whole variety of issues in the ring,&quot; Christine told me.&nbsp; &quot;Then suddenly it all came together, and we got two legs in a row.&nbsp; As if it were easy.&quot;<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It isn't easy.&nbsp; It's very difficult.&nbsp; There are people who make it look easy.&nbsp; They do it with hours of practice, with total dedication, with a real focus on learning how to establish that rapport and communication with their dog, with an eternally upbeat perspective and never-say-die attitude.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I admit, this is a greater challenge than I had anticipated.&nbsp; What makes it all worthwhile is something more than the goal of earning a title.&nbsp; It's the great rapport with my dog, with my trainer and with my companions on the campaign trail.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We are a community and being part of that community is its own reward.


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It's Time to Try Again http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/286 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/286 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This weekend, it's back to Vallejo for two trials.&nbsp; That means a week of focus and work.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I started with a good session with Mary Vogler on Sunday.&nbsp; She warns me that I am still &quot;helping&quot; Spur too much.&nbsp; I tend to watch him as we heel, to offer praise a little too frequently, to be too quick to haul out the Charlie Bears.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; None of those things can happen in the ring, and it's time to make my training as ring-like as possible.&nbsp; While keeping it fun fun fun of course!<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sometimes all the necessaries seem in conflict, and pulling everything together is hugely challenging.&nbsp; But the frustration ends each time I pull out Spur's special training collar and he goes wild with joy.&nbsp; He loves to go and train!<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Monday evening we went to Alan Miller's class, but not as participants.&nbsp; Instead, we set up our own ring right alongside Alan's area, and ran through the exercises - and a few fun games! - with the challenging distraction of 20 dogs racing about just a few feet away.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At one point, Alan had organized a fun chase exercise and some of the class dogs were suddenly right in our faces.&nbsp; &quot;I'm sorry!&quot; one owner called out, but Alan was just laughing.&nbsp; &quot;She wants that!&quot; he called.&nbsp; &quot;It's why she's here!&quot;<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exactly right, of course, controlled chaos is the name of the game.&nbsp; Alan gets it, which is one reason he's so practically helpful.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Spur did remarkably well on everything, including the ever-challenging go outs.&nbsp; I began to have a little hope that perhaps we are getting on the right track.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tuesday nite we took off to the park and found an ideal area to practice for the weekend's indoor shows - an unused tennis court.&nbsp; The distractions weren't as intense as Alan's class offered, but they were still helpful.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My plan is to visit a different locale each evening.&nbsp; The automatic doors at Raley's, the basketball players at Folsom's Davies Park, the soccer kids at Phoenix Field - they will all be seeing us.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Will there be a payoff this weekend?&nbsp; I cannot predict.&nbsp; Mary tells me this phase we're in is normal, that we are working in the right direction, and that our little team is definitely going to make the grade.&nbsp; I believe in her, in Spur and in myself.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I think!


Title: Axel and Spur like to play with toys
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Title: Axel and Spur like to play with toys
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Axel and Spur like to play with toys A Strategy Evolves http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/271 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/271 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The original plan for Memorial Day was straightforward.&nbsp; Go to Hangtown Kennel Obedience Trials in Placerville, and win utility legs.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alas, it didn't work out that way.&nbsp; Based on the debacle at the Coyote Club Trials, our trainer recommended - no wait, she <strong>urged</strong> us to pull our entry - and focus on the next set of trials.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That means we'll be back in Vallejo on June 7 and 8, giving it a whirl at those indoor trials.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In the meantime, we're trying to figure out what the problems are, and be as solid as we can.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The problems, trainer Mary Vogler assures me, are nothing out of the ordinary.&nbsp; <em>Dogs are situational</em> she continuously reminds me.&nbsp; That is Point 1.&nbsp; Spur does a great job in our yard, in the park, in the class at Alan's or the Lodi training facility we visit.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Those are all places known to him, and comfortable.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mary' has been to take him to as many different places as possible.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; But we're doing our best.&nbsp; We've practiced heeling and signals outside the automatic doors at Raley's and in the cookie aisles at PetSmart.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We practiced go outs and directed retrieves at a Folsom park that is tucked away behind the Rotary club.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And in doing all this, I learned that Spur, indeed is not &quot;solid&quot;.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Which brings me to Point 2, the all important concept of Training With a True Eye.&nbsp; My true eye tells me what my heart doesn't want to see.&nbsp; Spur may look away at a key moment and miss a signal.&nbsp; He may be uncertain on the go out.&nbsp; He is sometimes over excited and brings back the first article he encounters, rather than the one that has been scented.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nonetheless, in early June we'll give it a whirl again.&nbsp; And then we'll take a break to reassess and rebuild our mutual confidence and certainty.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So far, the challenge remains far more fun than frustrating.&nbsp; Training is therapy for me, and Spur loves to go and do and demonstrate his understanding of all my wishes.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We are a team with noteworthy strengths, and weaknesses we can conquer together.&nbsp; And the campaign trail still feels like the right place to be.


Title: Spur and his friend Shelly
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Title: Spur and his friend Shelly
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Spur and his friend Shelly The Trials of Spur http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/257 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/257 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On Saturday, I set out for the Coyote Kennel Club Trials with much trepidation.&nbsp; The weather was hot, and Spur does not like hot.&nbsp; I could foresee disaster.&nbsp; But it's my nature to fight pessimism, and so I set out hoping for the best.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And when we arrived, my hopes rose.&nbsp; The show grounds - Solano County Fairgrounds - were shady.&nbsp; There was a lovely breeze.&nbsp; The obedience ring was set amidst the trees.&nbsp; Everything seemed perfect.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But appearances are deceiving.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We wandered about to accustom Spur to the surroundings and it was clear they did not suit him.&nbsp; He did not care to practice heeling.&nbsp; He preferred not to respond to signals.&nbsp; It was only with much cajoling that he deigned to practice a few go outs at one of the conformation rings.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Uh oh.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To keep the story brief, our sojourn in the ring was fairly disastrous.&nbsp; We failed every exercise except the moving stand.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Spur heeled acceptably, but preferred not to acknowledge any of the signals I administered.&nbsp; He retrieved the correct articles, but did not wait for me to actually send him to the pile.&nbsp; He stared directly at the correct glove, then ran out to a different one.&nbsp; As for the goes . . . let's just say he didn't.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Afterwards, I had a long conversation with my trainer, Mary Vogler. She urged me to scratch him from the Hangtown Trials Memorial Day weekend.&nbsp; Hey - sixty bucks down the tube?&nbsp; When I down he can do it?<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I was resistant to her recommendations . . . . but 24 hours later I finally accepted the fact that she is right.&nbsp; I have a dog who does all the utility exercises beautifully . . . . in a familiar setting.<br /> Alas, not too many trials are held in my backyard or neighborhood park.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And so, on the Tuesday following the disastrous Saturday, Mary and I talked again and made a plan.&nbsp; I will spend Memorial Day weekend playing a bit more golf than I had intended.&nbsp; Practicing with Spur.&nbsp; And getting ready for another set of trials in early June.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is no rush.&nbsp; There are things I must do to help build his confidence in new places.&nbsp; We'll get there.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; More on how we plan to do it . . . next time.


Title: Spur Thinks
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Title: Spur Thinks
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Spur Thinks A Tough Weekend http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/231 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/231 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This weekend was a challenging reality check.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First a Saturday workshop in Vacaville, at which Spur decided that he had forgotten all the exercises we've been so painstakingly learning.&nbsp; He did the go out, but only with prolonged sniffing at the far gate, and a refusal to sit.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He stared at me in confusion when I gave him a down signal.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He ran out to the article pile and brought back whichever one he first reached.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All in all, it was a monumental mess-up, and one which prompted suggestions, tips and guidance from people who definitely know what they're doing.&nbsp;&nbsp; Still - some of those ideas reflect a different training method and approach than I've been using.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I was advised not to put treats out for the go out, and not to follow him out for a reward on the sit.&nbsp; This represents a fairly drastic change for him.&nbsp; As I experimented with some of these ideas, I felt Spur begin to shut down. &nbsp; And so we headed home.&nbsp; While he snored in his crate, I agonized over what to do.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In our own yard, we practiced the goes as we've been doing them.&nbsp; Treats at the far gate intermittently, a treat for every good turn and sit.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sunday morning I was back on the road, this time to Lodi for a private session with my long-time trainer, Mary Vogler.&nbsp; I arrived, leapt out of the car, and poured out my concerns.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thank goodness for Mary.&nbsp; She reminded me that she and I are on a path with Spur.&nbsp; He is four - still young for utility - and he is green.&nbsp; She is convinced our training plan is working, and I am confident she is correct.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I set up my jumps and gates in a field that is unfamiliar to Spur, and we began to put him through some paces.&nbsp; These included sending him to a post spread with cheese and commanding him to sit before finishing the treat.&nbsp; The idea being to cure the sniffing problem.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I don't expect miracles, but I'm feeling better about our progress.&nbsp; Our April failures served as an object lesson.&nbsp; To know if we are ready, we must keep trying.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I have a plan and a strategy for that, and it begins next Saturday with the Coyote Kennel Club Trials in Vallejo.&nbsp;&nbsp; We will go for one day, to take the temperature, and clarify what needs work.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I plan to take my gate to the grounds for an on-site warm-up.&nbsp; I plan to arrive early, so Spur is as utterly comfortable on the grounds as possible.&nbsp; And I plan to get out for training as much as possible this week.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This campaign, as Mary reminds me, is a journey.&nbsp; The point is to make every step a step forward - even those steps which do not appear to be fully successful.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I'm on board with that.&nbsp; And I'm looking forward to that time when Spur is right there, fully with us as well.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;


Title: Mary Vogler and Michele with Spur
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Title: Mary Vogler and Michele with Spur
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Mary Vogler and Michele with Spur