08/19/2024
Tioga and I ventured out to one of our favourite show weekends in Lorneville NB this weekend!
This weekend was a big step for us at the dog show, especially for Tioga. We’ve taken some time off from the show circuit with her because she was struggling with shyness during the judges’ exams. It was clear she needed a break, and after her first heat, I hoped the time away would help her regain some confidence. While the time off didn’t completely resolve the issue, it gave us valuable insights into what she needs and how I can better support her moving forward.
Coming back to the ring, I was optimistic but still concerned about how she would handle it. Her shyness is still there, but we’re learning to work through it together. I’ll admit, I was feeling pretty discouraged at first. It’s hard to see your dog struggle, especially when you know how amazing they are outside of that one tiny piece of the process.
But last night, I had a conversation with a good friend that really turned things around for me. Their words of encouragement and advice helped me see things in a new light. I’m feeling more inspired than ever to continue working with Tioga, knowing that progress may be slow, but it’s happening. We’ll keep moving forward, one step at a time.