[Ann Felske-Jackman]

First, I would not try to curb her enthusiasm. We make enough training mistakes along the way that sucks the drive out of them...we don't want to do it on purpose. If she smashes you, but then sits, or goes past but brings herself back into postion, you will lose points, but not fail. We tend to have "recall smashers" and I've found that the judges aren't nearly as hard on the pencils are they are toward those dogs that look like they're walking to their deaths on the recall. You will also find that your stress and the environment of a trial will take a bit of her exuberance away, and that your recalls in the actual trial might be better than you'd think.

That all said, you will want to fix it eventually. My suggestion would be to do your recall in a narrow hallway, or with you standing between to gates. Basically, something to block her from going past you. Take the smashes as they come, but only smile and reward the recalls in which she chooses to slow down and find the proper spot. Since she seems like she's full of life, be sure to always break off the exercise after a proper recall and sit by doing something extra fun...throwing or tugging the toy, running and romping etc.

Good luck! She sounds like a lot of fun