Obedience Run Throughs- The Night Before a Trial
Well tomorrow Zumi and I will step into the AKC obedience ring for the first time. Wish us luck!
Tonight I spent time moving all the equipment and ring barriers to setup for the trial. Afterwards there were run throughs for exhibitors to get some fun ring time where they will be showing in. I took time with Zumi and Vito to do some ring entries before heading home. Since it was still a little bit before we opened to the public the space was still much quieter than I wanted. But I was able to grab a "judge" to stand in the ring.
I did a small handful of ring entries over about 3 "sessions." I know Zumi has some weaknesses that will likely appear with the pressure of a trial, but the night before a trial is not the time to train them. My only goal is to work focus and attitude. I want her confident this weekend.
Interestingly enough I found Zumi was a little worried on our first 2 entries. I don't know if it was due to how different the room looked (it's usually our agility side!) or perhaps it was due to Netta being on the floor close by. Zumi does well with Netta but she's not really confident.
And I was a little greedy. But I tried to rectify it!
You can see her stress in the first 50 seconds.
Then you will see the greediness. I wanted to get in that ring and work on stuff before packing up! So although Zumi didn't give me her full "I'm ready to work" behavior of bouncing when I ask the question, I cued her "up" anyway. And then she refused to go into a squish position and did a hesitant setup.
More greediness. I entered the ring, removed the leash, and still didn't reward. The stress of an upcoming trial made me a bad trainer! I finally reward her at 1.18.
Then i give her a tiny break and see some improvement. but notice I still get a failed response to a jump cue. I at least reward her much sooner this time. Then I give her a kennel break while I do some ring games with Vito.
When I get her back out she is much more comfortable! Still a little flat in energy, but whew, I at least have a dog! And then on the next rep, I am thrilled to see some forging as a sign she was feeling much spunkier!
I walk her around the ring for a few laps next and finally do one last entrance with a tiny bit more work as well mainly I was greedy again and wanted to practice a stand.
Vito did some too even though he's not entered this weekend. He was extra bouncy!
