Our first rally trial is getting close!! (Update - Day 2)

Well, it's over.  Today did not go as well.  Our judge today was quite elderly (yesterday she collapsed in the obediennce ring during their three minute down) and Finn did not like her.  She stood way too close to us as we entered the ring and I think she was staring at him.  He did not appreciate it and began barking at her.  He continued to feel nervous throughout the course, stopping occasionally to bark at her.  We did complete the course, and to my amazement were not DQ'd.  He finished with an 89 and came in fourth place (out of four dogs).  So, he got another leg...but I don't really count it as anything.  It seemed like scores were given out at random to me.  But we'll work on our people stuff and I suppose get used to older people who move differently as well!

Proofing really is the name of the game for higher placements, but good for you guys for getting through it.  (that book I mentioned earlier has terrific tips, and you can get it from Dogwise.com)

I can't believe the poor woman collapsed the day before!!  Jimminy crickets!  I assume someone told the secretary so they can think about chosing a different judge for their next trial.  Poor woman, I hope she's ok, but judges can really be an issue that is just as much a part of the trial as the stations.

Finn, next time you will be okay to just ignore the judge because Mom and your trainer will help you through that.  Your mom's got yer back, no worries.  So, is that two legs, or your third and title earner?

Thank you.  I will definitely look into that book.

We will be working on people proofing him more.  That is something that I have been working on, but I'm finding it difficult to find places to work him, especially since so many people want to ask about him and pet him.  He really doesn't like strangers to touch him.  I would like to work up to that, but he just isn't ready for that yet.

Yes, he earned two legs toward his title.  However, we will probably stay in novice for a while to get him more used to the whole crowds of people and dogs thing.