Sunday, January 30, 2011

PROGRESS

We are making lots of progress with Marley's behavior. She did better at pack play. She still doesn't want to interact with other dogs, but at least she will explore a little. She enjoys getting into the pond and wants to stay in the water.

We are continuing to work on her distance in agility. Her Momma isn't fast enough for her, so I need to give her permission to go on, and for her to do it.

This weekend will be her first venture into the Advanced Ring in USDAA agility. Optimistic and looking forward to it. I am especially happy that some friends that are trialing for the first time will be there. We train together and it will be so nice to have buddies at the trial. I have been on my own for so long, that I welcome the company. This will be a fun weekend!!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

PERFORMANCE DOG 1

The Happy Hounds Agility Team Agility Trial was a success for us. Marley tried to act out on Saturday but after some corrections, she chose to work with me. She qualified 3 times on Sunday and titled 3 times. She earned her Performance Gamblers 1 title, her Performance Standard 1 title, and her overall Performance Dog 1 title. She got a gamble on Saturday that only 3 dogs got out of 26. Impressive for a novice dog.

I am so proud of how far she's come and cannot wait to see where her career goes.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

MCKINNEY, TX

Marley and I are heading to McKinney, TX this weekend for an agility trial. Will just be the 2 of us. I don't know anyone from here that is going. I am really looking forward to it. I feel I can run Marley in peace without the negativity that has surrounded us in past trials.

Our goal for this trial is to just go out there and run! Work on our handling and for Marley to pay attention to me!

Our goals for future trials are for me to get past the hard feelings I have towards some fellow agility folks who have really hurt my feelings about Marley. This will come into play in less than a month when I have to see some of those folks at a local trial. Also, to continue to work on my handling skills and to keep working on Marley's Ruff Love. For Marley to come into her own as an agility dog!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

BELTON, TX

Marley had a fabulous trial at Belton. She earned 2 titles: P1 Jumpers and P1 Snooker. She also had 6 Q's with 5 of those being 1st places and 1 3rd. I felt like my handling was way better. She paid better attention and minded better. She tried one day to jump and bite me but I corrected her outside of the venue and she ran fantastic the next day.

I moved her up to P2 in both Jumpers and Snooker and she ran well, just a few errors.

I really enjoyed the trial. No one was there I knew, so I felt at ease, no drama!

I entered Marley in another trial in 2 weeks. Our goal is to continue to work on our handling and for Marley not to jump or bite. Positive thinking! Take a deep breathe and just go!