Today was a tough day as my sister called just before leaving for class with some tragic news about one of her dogs. I was not sure how focused I could be running MeiLi and ended up late leaving so I would have no time to settle her in. I also had to take Devyn along so she could go to the vet right after class to have her lone stitch from her spaying removed. I almost decided to bag class and just stay home. But Kristen helped me get things ready quickly and we headed up to class. I did not bring my Go Pro along as I was not sure I would even run MeiLi in the ring.
When I arrived a few minutes late I went in without MeiLi to see where all the dogs were set up and claim our spot. They were almost done walking the course which was fine by me. I just wanted to be around other dog folks. I really enjoy the people in this class, they have made me feel very welcome. I went out to get MeiLi and bring her in. She was super focused on me coming in. Did not even notice the other dogs as we worked our way to the area where I had left our things. She remained focused as we warmed up with some of our recaller games while I watched our classmates run. She was super calm and not reactive to the other dogs running at all. My plan was to try to work the first 6 obstacles of the course, rewarding often, provided I could get a start line with her which became an issue last week. Going into the ring she was again very focused on me. She gave me a good sit at the start which I re-enforced several times. She let me lead out and waited for her release. We had a nice 1-2 front cross and treat. A good send to tunnel #4 with a treat after 5. We struggled with getting the wrap at 6 as our timing was very off. But then had a nice run to the frame. We have done very little training on the frame or dogwalk and she gave it a good effort to hold her contact but came off and then fixed it. I had decided we would not go further as the weaves had the gates on them and she has never seen that. We repeated the same course, and she was awesome the second time around as well, again just struggling with the wrap but remain focused and engaged with me. It felt so good having her working with me. Darn she is FAST!
We continued to work our games outside the ring. I expected she would be more aware of the ring after having run, but she just continued to play with me. She was pretty good at offering me the correct behavior using just verbal cues, something I think is going to be very important to our success.
Our second turn she again gave me a great start line and lead out. We ran the first portion of the course again without stopping. The wrap remained a challenge but was not too bad. Once at the frame I decided to try to continue and add the second part of the course. I should have known better than to try the weaves set up with the gates. She did not understand that at all and became frustrated and distracted. But she came back when called and we went on. She gave me an awesome stop on the teeter. Allowing me to cross in front of her and reward her. She continued the sequence working with me ending on the dogwalk. Again, she came off the end but then fixed herself showing at least an understanding of what is expected.
This was the most focused she has ever been at a class, and it felt good to be working with my girl. So very happy we went. All the dogs in class are making improvements and it is a fun group to watch.
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