ANOTHER BUMP IN THE ROAD

We went to our first NADAC trial in OK this past weekend. Hands down it was the best fun I've ever had at a trial. Our training group went and it was so beneficial to have everyone there. I have been trialing alone for quite awhile so it was a welcomed change for me. I have found a fabulous group of people to train with and it has been wonderful for me.

Marley decided to act out this weekend. Handling her in the ring was a nightmare. We just aren't working together. It was not a good weekend for us. I was so frustrated. I ended up letting a friend handle Marley for half of Saturday and all of Sunday. He did a fabulous job with her. He had never handled Marley in agility before but he did phenomenal with her. He came close to Q'ing with her multiple times.

I'm now at another crossroad with her. Do I try to continue on with her or give up on her? I feel in my heart she can do it but then I have some doubts that creep in. I also feel that if I do give up on her that I am letting the people who told me "Marley is too much dog for you" win. If I do give up on her, do I get another dog and start again?

I have alot to think over but I do know that regardless of my decision, Marley will always be my baby and will always have a home with me.

NADAC Trial and Other Trials

Marley is entered in her first NADAC trial in Norman, OK. I am optimistic or crazy one because I entered her in 13 runs! She will have a blast! I am looking forward to a fun trial with my training group. A bunch of us are going so we will have tons of fun I'm sure.

I need to work more on my handling with her. I tend to babysit all the obstacles and she is ready to be given more permission to go on. I don't know why I babysit with her but I do and I need to stop it. Planning on working hard on that in the next couple of months.

We are entered in 2 AKC trials in April and May. I am thinking about pulling her from the May trial. I have had an overwhelming sense of dread since I got my confirmation. Once I had difficulty booking a motel room for that trial, I felt like an immediate weight was released. I won't make a final decision until closer to the trial date close.

I am planning on taking a break from trialing in May and June and then just do a limited number until fall. I plan on focusing on USDAA at this time. I need to pace Marley and keep her healthy. Plus I need to stay healthy!!

P3/MASTER'S SNOOKER

At just her 6th USDAA agility trial, Marley earned her P2/Advanced Snooker title! Meaning she is now in P3/Master's Snooker! It was our only Q of the weekend and I was disappointed since she had been Q'ing so many more times recently. But a good friend reminded me to remember our title run...that's what keeps us going.

Marley has been moved up to Advanced Aglity class. She has come so far and when I think back, it's almost a dream. She is such a different dog now. I no longer stress about her being around dogs we don't know well. She remains a very happy dog but a dog that minds me.