It feels good to say Jessie and me are half way through our UDX. We went to back-to-back weekend trials. The first weekend was a little disappointing – Jessie was distracted and made a few bad mistakes. But this weekend I felt we were starting to put it together again.
On Saturday he was really “on” and did everything really nicely, except he didn’t drop until a 2nd command in Open. Then in Utility he did a perfect first go-out and jump, then on the 2nd he took a jump on the way out. Judge Charles Bush even seemed surprised saying he couldn’t believe he did that after an absolutely perfect first go out. I was a little disappointed since Jessie has never gotten a UDX leg the 2nd day of showing, so I figured I would go home from the weekend empty handed.
Much to my surprise, on Sunday Jessie seemed as sparkly and happy as on Saturday. We went into Utility and his tail wagged the whole time and all the exercises were nicely done except a little walking on the 2nd go-out. Then we went on to Open and once again, Jessie was happy, perky and ready to work. All that remained was the out of sight stays. I was very nervous since Jessie will often go down on the sit the 2nd day of a trial. We have been working hard at this using special treats and lots of reinforcement. Well, I was chatting with someone and didn’t notice they were lining up so I had to drag him out of his crate and right into the ring. I was sure he’d go down, but he was good and stayed sitting and alert, waiting for his special treat. During the long down, as I left the ring, I saw a large male, intact golden leaning over to sniff Jessie and Jessie leaning over to sniff back, their noses nearly touching. I almost had a heart attack. Me and the owner of the golden, when I told him about it, were on pins and needles through the five minute down (which felt like five hours). Obviously the two dogs just wanted to say “hi”, and we returned to discover both of us had passed. Yeah!!! UDX leg number 5.
Well, the opera isn’t over until the fat lady sings, they say. I was celebrated too soon. Utility was over and I saw them removing the jumps so I knew there was a run-off. I turned to my instructor Robin and said; “I think I’ll leave Jessie in his crate until after the run-offs. It might take a while.” The judge, Jon Mett, called out “Number 423”. I stood there by my crate for a moment then realized that was my number, grabbed Jessie and yelled, “Kerry coming through,” as I ran to the ring. Poor Jessie was so confused! We had terriable heeling – three bad sits, one that the judge actually had to wait for him to sit after a pause standing. I left the ring giggling, thrilled to have been called back, but knowing I’d blown it. Once again, never count your chickens! I watched as a lovely golden was called back in and then one of the top shelties in the country – both with absolutely beautiful, perfect heeling.
Now there are very few times in obedience where the handler can take credit for winning a ribbon, but this time I will, lol. Robin always warned us about this, so I was ready. The last side of the heeling pattern the judge called fast right to the gate, two steps of normal, and then halt so the dog’s nose was against the gaiting. I was the only one who did it – the other two handlers turned. I had won the run-off! I got 3rd place and 3 OTCH points. It was a great day for me!
Posted by enoj
at 9:39 AM EST
