04/04/2022
Wow, what an experience this past weekend Token and I competed in my first dog show competing in the Rally Obedience trials at the novice level, which is the first step. You need three qualifying scores of at least 70 of a possible 100 to earn a title. On Friday afternoon we were a connected team. As the handler I was deducted two points for a tight lead and at the last station she was to stay in a down while I walked around her, she popped up and we had to due a re-try which is a 3point deduction. We finished with a 95 which was so awesome finishing in 5 place out of 23 dogs.
Saturday was a crazy day, we were in the first group at 8am. There were tons of distractions with four rings of confirmation happening on the other side of the building. I completed a task which I was supposed to stop and pause at the end of before moving on to the next station but I just walked straight through it which cost us a 10 point deduction, that added to some handler errors resulting in an 85 as our final score which still was a qualifying score. So in 2 days we had earned 2/3 legs required for Novice Rally Obedience title.
On Sunday we were once again had a mid-morning time. We were not as connected as on Friday. My Token had a mind of her own, and being a Golden with a keen nose she had it on the ground smelling ever dog that had been on course. We completed the course with a score of 89 which was good enough for fourth place and our first big ribbon.
For a first timer competing, the support I was given by fellow competitors and my coach Nancy, I am grateful for.
I am hooked.
