second time.

[debbiej]

second schutzhund club tonight. Boris was allowed to "participate". he did really great in the long down. leash looped over poles along the side of the field.

we worked on that beautiful heeling you see, learned how to get him to push me for the hot dog and go in circles.

I learned that he is too fat, not hungry enough if he has supper before we go. and that he needs less food and more exercise.

then a puppy/beginner agitation ring. dogs in a circle, and members played tug, teased and built excitement with each dog. Boris got a bit too excited by the excited dogs. much to my embarrassment, he almost got away from me, and one of the guys had to jump in and help. he wasn't going after the man, but the dog next to him. I am very grateful for the help, and then the handling lessons I got. the trainer watched him very carefully and praised for attention to the man, corrected for attention to the dogs. before long, he got it. he seemed to think he and the trainer were long lost friends.

I got some really awful burns on my hands from his lead, but my pride is hurt worse. I should have had leather, but was using a soft braided nylon.

I love it!

[Mick Trainer]

Sounds fantasatic. Good luck with your furture pursuits.

[poohbearsmom]

Awesome! I'm proud of you Debbie!

re: burns.... just wait until a long line gets wrapped around your ankle! A little neosporine goes a long way, and the distinguishing marks are quite fashionable these days! Who needs an ink parlor when you have a training field to go to?

[debbiej]

I just hope I don't screw up too bad, and they let me keep coming.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by debbiej

I just hope I don't screw up too bad, and they let me keep coming.

Just think of yourself as "comic relief" and you'll do FINE!!!!!!!!

[debbiej]

LOL! that I can do without trying.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by debbiej

LOL! that I can do without trying.

If it makes you feel any better, I'll tell you a little story (don't tell anyone else..it's sooooo embarrassing... lol)

A few Saturdays ago, I got to training, and I really should have just watched that day.. .I was a little under the weather, but went on the field anyway.

In a matter of about 3 minutes, I got smacked in the head with a trial sleeve, tripped and fell on my big ole butt, and let go of a long line at a very inopportune time! OY!!!!! Talk about a bad day! I was mortified!!!! Luckily, I have "boobs" so the helper took it easy on me...

I can certainly tell you, I may get hit in the head with a sleeve again, and I'm certain I'll trip and fall a LOT, but I won't be letting go of a leash anytime soon!

Have FUN, debbie!

[debbiej]

yep, it does make me feel better. I actually shudder everytime I think of boris pulling me just the wrong way at just the wrong time, and me stumbling along after him, trying to get my grip and footing. 5 more feet, and he would have been in a dog fight. I feel like such a dork. but I WON'T let it happen again!

[dmoniz]

I've been there too, so don't worry. Bad things happen to even the best of handlers. I'm just so glad you are going. It won't be long and they won't be able to keep you away. Logan and I were comic relief for many months, then I got Cain, and now I train GSD's (but don't think I will ever own one, rottweilers are my breed always). Just HAVE FUN!

[lblax]

if your not bleeding your not training lol

[Inga]

It sure sounds like you guys are having fun. I sure understand humbling thing. I have never trained in Schutzhund but am facinated by it. I have humbled myself enough just on Basic obedience. Or rather, my dogs have humbled me. LOL I have always had rescues so I never had a dog that was the right temperament for such a thing. Maybe someday....

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by lblax

if your not bleeding your not training lol

Oh! I know what the new sign at the Club House is going to say now! LMAO

[laurlitt]

Originally Posted by debbiej

I got some really awful burns on my hands from his lead, but my pride is hurt worse. I should have had leather, but was using a soft braided nylon.

I love it!

Buy yourself a pair of baseball batting gloves (or something similar)... They will go along way with helping you keep a grip :)

Have fun... and be prepared for many more embarassing moments and stupid mistakes... it's all part of the learning process... you know 'learn from your mistakes'...

[debbiej]

I found some of my old biking gloves. that helps a lot. plus they help when using hot dogs to practice heel. protects that fold of the palm by the thumb.....

[Skip]

Originally Posted by lblax

if your not bleeding your not training lol

Also..."Unless it requires a lot of stitches, you're not really hurt."