14/06/2025
Today update: Kiwi’s First Rally Obedience Exam (and My Near-Nervous Breakdown)
Well, we did it — somehow, against all odds and my slightly trembling hands, Kiwi and I passed our first-level Rally Obedience exam!
To paint the scene: I was little shaking and forgetting half of command we’d ever practised on the spot. Basically, I looked like a university student facing a final exam with no coffee and a suspicious memory gap. As expected, I managed to forget a few important bits — and we lost 16 points thanks to yours truly.
🐾🍪 Kiwi, on the other hand, was slightly taken aback by the sheer number of cars, people, and dogs buzzing around — but quickly pulled herself together and zeroed in on what truly mattered: more people around - more treats on the ground.
Before we even got to the official part, she enthusiastically embraced her role as course hygiene officer, carefully sniffing (and sampling) a few forgotten morsels along the way. Strictly professional, of course — just quality control.
But the moment it was time to get serious, she flipped the switch into her Rally mode. Eyes on me, tuned into every signal, and looking at me like I might know what I’m doing (bless her optimism).
For those who don’t know, we took the exam at Kinološko društvo Slovenska Bistrica, where the atmosphere was a delightful blend of warm support, good humour, and the occasional enthusiastic bark of encouragement from more experienced dogs — who clearly had opinions on how things should be done.
🐾 💖 A massive thank to Urška, who not only taught us the exercises but also prepared us for all life’s unpredictable moments: sudden gusts of wind, overly enthusiastic sporting dogs, and even — the judge watching your every hesitant footstep. No pressure!
For the uninitiated: Rally Obedience (RO) is like a polite obstacle course for dog and handler. In the RO-I level (the beginner class), you and your dog heel through 15 stations, performing specific exercises chosen from a list of 30. You can earn up to 150 points, and need at least 75 to pass. Dogs can be on lead, but the lead is strictly not a steering wheel (though I admit I briefly tried couple times). Our result this time - 134 points
🐾 🕒 Oh, and did I mention it’s timed? Kiwi and I proudly hit our 1.6-minute goal — not just done, but done with pace and pizzazz!
As for Kiwi — she’s already placing her order for a celebratory steak, a full-body massage, and perhaps a tasteful golden trophy engraved: “I did everything right. My human tried.”
And honestly? She deserves it. 💖
P.S. A special thank-you from Kiwi to Urška for the generous post-exam snack party — especially while I was still trying to decipher what exactly the judge is explaining me. Priorities: Kiwi nailed them
cc Malinina
