  |
|
|
|
Obedience InsanityRead the article this discussion is about
This archived discussion is "read only".
»
My German Shepard, Major, was such an exceptional dog that he earned his title the first 3 shows out. And because he was my first show dog, I've always said he trained me. He never scored high but he was consistent. Off lead heeling was his weakest point because he was always watching what was going on outside the ring. And when the judge would call "halt", I stopped and he kept going but he would always turn around and come back to sit beside me. This took away points but never disqualified him. He was solid on everything else. Because he was also protection trained, there was another incident. In his very first show, one of the ring stewards was a teenage boy with a lot of enthusiasm who came rushing into the ring right toward where we were waiting to do the figure 8. Well Major took that as a threat and he braced his hind legs, fixed his gaze right on that boy and growled! I reassured him and got him under control immediately but I was afraid the judge would disqualify us right then and there. I guess she understood the protective nature of German Shepards because she let it go. We went ahead and did the figure 8 and Major did fine with a qualifying score. I just lost Major in January and I miss him so much. We were a team and learned so much together. I wish you luck with Sephie. I know she'll get her title one of these days...she's just having too much fun right now! I love those laid-back Rotties! -- posted by Joy Butler » StrmDncr - The Funny Farm Wendy, there is an empty room right next to mine here at the Funny Farm. Yes, I've been through this so many times it makes you wonder who is training who. My first 5 shows with Blu were very much like yours. He was on the mark for every move except the dreaded "off Lead". The first time he was doing so well until the judge said "fast". I did, he didn't. Well, he did, long after he realized I was 8 feet ahead of him then he charged my back and nearly knocked me over. (Remember, we're talking 160 Lbs. of Newfoundland)But, one of my favorites was a show where we did so well till the end of the "off lead". That was when Blu spotted a woman sitting on the floor with a terrier that looked a lot like one of Blu's buddies. Instead of taking the last two feet with me he made a sharp right and charged across the ring, landing in the poor womans lap. I ran across the ring grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and gave him a stearn "NO!" I then gave him a firm command to heel and marched him around the ring then stopped smartly in front of the judge where we should have ended in the first place. The judge said, "It's a shame he didn't do it that well the first time." To which I replied, "That makes two of us." We always did well at match shows (go n shows) but it seemed to take forever to get a title on him. Though I must say water rescue and carting went a lot better. Anyway, basket weaving starts in a few minutes and I don't want to be late... LOLOL -- posted by StrmDncr » WMSmith - Re: Obedience Insanity In response to Obedience Insanity posted by JButler:Joy, I'm sorry to hear about Major. Chelsea got her title the first three times in the ring, too. I think she spoilded me. Check the article, again. I added an update after this past weekend's shows. She actually managed to QUALIFY once. One down, two to go. I just hope my sanity can survive that long. -- posted by WMSmith » WMSmith - Re: The Funny Farm In response to The Funny Farm posted by StrmDncr:StrmDncr, it sounds like Blu and Sephie are in cahoots. I would love to join you in basket weaving. I'll be in there as soon as the nurse gives me my next dose of Thorazine. -- posted by WMSmith » StrmDncr - Re: Re: The Funny Farm In response to Re: The Funny Farm posted by WMSmith:Wendy, My Blu is gone now. He passed away about three years ago. It has taken some doing but I'm finally ready to try a new dog. I'm looking into a Mastiff or Lab in the near future. Haven't made up my mind. Maybe I'll do both... But then again I am out of my mind so it really doesn't matter which I start with... LOL... Hang in there she'll make it. She might even be one of the best dogs you've ever had once she gets the hang of it. Good Luck -- posted by StrmDncr
»
Congratulations Wendy! Maybe it's all part of "the plan" or just maybe she heard you talking about Chelsea! -- posted by Joy Butler » StrmDncr - Re: Re: Obedience Insanity In response to Re: Obedience Insanity posted by WMSmith:Congrats on her first ribbon! So now you have to turn the table her... Don't warm up before you enter the ring. And, if that doesn't work there is a water color class starting shortly. We can sit out in the fresh air and forget all about obedience training... LOL -- posted by StrmDncr
Please follow the guidelines set forth in the Suite101 Posting Etiquette when adding to the discussion. |
|
|
|
Joy Butler
