Our less-than-impressive trial weekend didn’t finish up any better than it began. Freya had two Level 1 runs and one Level 2 run, and managed to qualify in only one Level 1 run with another mediocre score of 185 points. Again, no ARCH points, but at least we are one small step closer to our RL1X, with 4 of 10 legs now complete.
It was disappointing to NQ on courses that should have been good for us, and frustrating because I’m not 100% sure why Freya was so out of tune with me. She seemed slightly depressed in the morning on both days, but she also seemed to adjust to the new surroundings more quickly than usual. She’s not particularly good with other dogs, but this weekend she didn’t go off on any other dogs, and she pretty much ignored dogs barking from vehicles and crates. That part I am definitely happy about, especially at a new venue with some areas that were very much close quarters. She was able to relax everywhere on the grounds—except in the ring where I needed her to be relaxed and attentive. I don’t feel like I ever had Freya’s full attention in the ring, even during our qualifying runs. So we definitely have things to work on before our next trial weekend, May 15-16.
I’m also going to get her in to the vet for a checkup to rule out any physical issues. She did not appear to be in any physical discomfort, but whenever she refuses sits I do worry about injury, or something less dramatic but also uncomfortable, like anal glands in need of expressing (not the case this time, as I’ve learned to get that taken care of about a week before a trial, and we did so the previous Saturday).
Of course, there’s still the possibility that she was just flipping me the dewclaw. Now for that, I have suggestions from my friends who are better trainers than I will ever be (thanks, Cathi and Sharon), and toys, cheese, and a plan to move forward. So let’s see where this goes!
The weekend may not have been very productive for our team, but there were still bright spots. Cathi’s Lefty earned his RL2 with an Award of Excellence, placing first in all three trials. Huge congratulations are in order to their team. Lefty is a rescue and Cathi has gotten him past a lot of issues, helping him grow more confident and shaping his great success in rally obedience. Cathi’s Jazzy also made some progress towards her RL3, hopefully to earn that title at the next area trial. Blitzen Canine Academy was a nice trial venue and I’d definitely consider coming back for other events.
I totally agree with the vet check decision. Even seemingly non-physical symptoms can have physical roots! Any changes in behavior warrant being checked.
If nothing found, you might want to try TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) vet. In TCVM emotions and behavior always linked with physical condition. Couple articles on TCVM on my blog.
.-= jana´s last blog ..More Than Meets The Eye: Dog Language And Beyond Part II =-.