Small brag....OK, maybe a big one...

[RottiMomCT]

OK, so Ben and I will be in PA for our very first trial in exactly 12 days (I'm getting nervous but also getting psyched!), so we've been going to class 3 nights a week for the past 3 weeks to polish everything (mostly ME).

Tonight our instructor put us through our paces as if we were actual trial...there was a class in the next ring and lots of people watching and lots of noise so it felt like a trial atmosphere.

Ben and I were third in the ring and had a chance to relax before being called in...when it was our turn, he PRANCED into the ring like he knew what to do (I tripped ).

We went through the heeling on lead pattern, he missed the first sit when we halted (but did STOP at perfect heel position), but nailed the rest of them, lagged just a bit at the about turn, and again nailed the final sit. We did the figure 8 pattern - very nice sits and attention on me was great. Off lead heeling was nice, stand for exam was great, recall was good - nailed the front sit, and his finish was fabulous.

If we had been scored, I would have received a 185 - the deductions were small for the telling him to SIT at the 2nd halt, and for other handler errors, but all in all we ROCKED.

I didn't have him on his prong at all for this class, just a metal choke and he was great. I usually use at least 3-4 string cheese 'sticks' (in bite size pieces) and otnight only used one - faked him out for alot of the stuff - he knew the treats were there but didn't get 'em when he expected 'em...

Anyways - thanks for letting me brag...I can only pray we do well in PA. There is a fun match on Monday evening so we'll probably enter that just to get a feel for the space.

Ben was much better tonight than last night in the same building, so maybe the fun match will help...if not, oh well, it's a learning experience for both of us!!

[Bucky's Mom]

Good for you!!! - WTG - I wish you well in PA

[MontanaRott]

EXCELLENT! WTG! Don't for get a breath mint when you go in to the ring for real! Can't wait to hear the results after the trial, good luck!

[AngelBunny]

You're off to a good start!

You'll be nervous--there's no getting around this--but remember--you're there to have fun. Relax. Remember to breath and RELAX.

[MontanaRott]

By the by, the breath mint covers the nervous smell on your breath!

[LynnS]

Awesome! I wish you all the best and I sure you guys will be fantastic!

[rottnkidd]

Wishing you the best Anne! Good luck!
kathy

[RottiMomCT]

Originally Posted by MontanaRott

EXCELLENT! WTG! Don't for get a breath mint when you go in to the ring for real!

I was told that on Saturday after our 'train & play' session - eat a peppermint or chew a piece of peppermint gum prior to going in the ring. The peppermint will calm both me and the dog, and will give me sparkling fresh breath too.

Thanks for the kind words everyone - I know this trial will be a much much much larger event but as long as we have FUN that's the most important part. It's a learning experience for both of us.

[Denise L.]

Oh Anne good for you and Ben!

Heeling off leash? Oh will I live that long??????????

Congrats and good luck!!!

[jas'smom]

Originally Posted by MontanaRott

EXCELLENT! WTG! Don't for get a breath mint when you go in to the ring for real! Can't wait to hear the results after the trial, good luck!

Never thought about this, good idea. I get nervous just in class!! Anyway, best of luck to you and Ben. I want to see pictures!!

[Luvs]

Originally Posted by RottiMomCT

Ben and I were third in the ring and had a chance to relax before being called in...when it was our turn, he PRANCED into the ring like he knew what to do (I tripped ).

Sounds like something I would do

GOOD LUCK at your trial! I am sure that you and Ben will do VERY well!

[samanthac]

I am sure that you will sail right through your trial!

[ACERSMOM]

It sounds like you will be a "STAR" at CRC, and will be picking up one of the great rossetts and awards for a placing. I will try to look for you and Ben at the show. Good luck and think positive!

[Brooke&Ryan]

Can't wait to hear how you guys do at the trial in PA. Have a blast & good luck!


Brooke

[RottiMomCT]

Originally Posted by ACERSMOM

It sounds like you will be a "STAR" at CRC, and will be picking up one of the great rossetts and awards for a placing. I will try to look for you and Ben at the show. Good luck and think positive!

Keep sending positive vibes for a good performance everyone (THANK YOU!)!

Acersmom - Ben and I will be arriving on Monday night, staying at the Hawthorn Inn about a mile down the road. I'm not 100% sure what I'm wearing, but as soon as I know what # I am I'll post it here...but we're entered in the NOVICE A class on both Tuesday and Wednesday - that should narrow it down a bit .