Rottweilers. Computers. Cameras. World Domination. Not necessarily in that order.
I was so happy to get this in the mail today…
You’ll recall the small panic over Freya’s scores being recorded incorrectly, as well as my happiness at the speed with which Beth at UKC rectified the error.
Even considering my usual obsession with getting the online and physical proof of our accomplishments in hand, this one is a slightly bigger relief to actually have in my hands!
(NaBloPoMo | April ’10: 12 of 30)
Remember our one, count ’em, just one, lonely point earned towards our APDT ARCH last month? Well, here it is!
When we started doing rally obedience, my only goal for Freya was to earn a novice level title, and maybe, just maybe, an advanced title. I’m really not sure we’ll be able to get the consistently high scores needed, especially in the off-leash levels, to earn the ARCH, UROC or any combined-level titles other than RAE, which requires qualifying scores but not high scores.
I’ll give it a try, even if just to make sure that one lonely point isn’t so lonely after our next trial!
(NaBloPoMo | April ’10: 11 of 30)
This was Freya’s first class in quite a while. Weekend trials and a minor injury in March kept her away from her usual Saturday classes, and weather and work kept her away from any weeknight classes or lessons. April is supposed to be a serious training month to prepare for trials in May and June.
Today wasn’t a great start, but it wasn’t horrible either. Our practice course today was an APDT Level 2 course designed by one of the judges some of us will be trialing under the weekend of May 1-2. This course used Send Over Jumps – Handler Runs By, so we got some much-needed jump practice. Freya’s jump height is 16″ but today’s jumps were done at 8″ and 12″ to keep it easier and more fun, for her, anyway.
For APDT, the handler must pass by 6 feet to the right of the jump. For UKC, the distance is 2-3 feet and for AKC, it is not explicitly specified (not that I could find in the rules). When I was farther away from the jump, it seemed that Freya was more likely to try to go around it. My plan right now is to get to where she will take a lower jump every time with me passing by 2-3 feet away, and then work on moving up to her full jump height. Then we will work on adding distance between me and the jump. In APDT, if the dog refuses the jump by going around, it is an automatic NQ with no retry allowed; there is a 3-point deduction if the handler passes by less than 6 feet away from the jump. So it’s obviously way more important to make sure she never refuses the jump.
I’m also finding myself at a point where I have to really do a better job of remembering the differences in rules and performance of certain exercises between UKC, APDT and AKC. Even though there are way more similarities than differences, there are enough important differences that could mean the difference between qualifying and failing at any specific trial.
We have a lot to do this month!
(NaBloPoMo | April ’10: 10 of 30)
You might remember that Freya and Axel got the opportunity to taste-test Pet Botanics Healthy Omega Treats last month, courtesy of Cardinal Laboratories. The Duck flavor treats were very well-received.
Unfortunately, the two pet-supply stores that I usually shop at do not carry these treats, and I haven’t yet taken the time to speak to a manager to request them. Yesterday’s errands took me to a store that is right next to a PetSmart, so I stopped in to pick up a few items. This PetSmart carries two flavors of the Healthy Omega Treats: Salmon and Chicken.
The Chicken flavor was as well-received as the Duck flavor in our original taste test. But the Salmon flavor was an even bigger hit. Who knew Rottweilers would like fish so much?
Freya and Axe are hoping for more taste-testing opportunities in the future, so if you have a favorite dog treat for them to review, please do tell!
(NaBloPoMo | April ’10: 9 of 30)
I got two good updates today!
First one is dog-related, of course. As you read last week, one of Freya’s scores for her UKC URO2 title was recorded incorrectly as a non-qualifying score. I heard from Beth at UKC this morning, and everything has been straightened out! She heard back from the judge, whose records agreed with mine and showed a qualifying score for Freya, and corrected the official results. Freya’s URO2 title is now official and the paper certificate will be sent out tomorrow.
Second one is that my pretty red laptop is ready for pickup a few days sooner than I expected. I was told it would take about a week, but I got the call that it was ready just a little while ago. So I will have it back at home tomorrow evening, minus the irritating noise from the defective cooling fan.
All good news!
(NaBloPoMo | April ’10: 7 of 30)