Hutch returned to trialing on Tuesday night (8/6/2013). He has been on hiatus as we continue to work on our relationship and trust, and his confidence on course. I thought the smaller, quieter atmosphere would be good for him to wet his feet again, and that was a good idea. It was mini-NADAC trial, with two rounds of Touch 'n Go. In the first round, he seemed fine at the start, but the judge stood near the A-frame, where the dogs had to pass by 5 times (three times through tunnels, and twice on the A-frame). He managed to get through the round, but by the 5th pass, he was DONE managing his fear of the "scary judge" and jumped off the A-frame. We wouldn't have Q'd anyways (overtime), but he certainly didn't Touch the contact, either, missed it by a yard! But that's okay... he FINISHED the course, which is a very, very BIG DEAL for him!
On the second round, we only had to pass by the judge ONCE (at the end), so he actually did quite well through the round until we got to the scary A-frame part again... the judge this time stepped back and away from the A-frame (thanks, Ric!), so that Hutch felt a little better. He still stopped at the top to survey his surrounds, and barely managed to touch a toe nail on the contact, but he did it! AND, he made time (by 2 seconds!) to earn his FIRST Touch 'n Go Q !!!! Whooo hooo to that brave young man!
Alva didn't fair so well... he blew his first contact in months! He was having a very good time!!! He was very fast, and really enjoying himself, so I didn't bother to fix it. He did blow his discrimination in the first round, but I think that was my fault, too... I hope he's better this weekend.
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