December 5-6 was a sad trial weekend for me – even though Griffin did really, really well!
Each December there is a huge AKC ‘cluster’ show with conformation, obedience, agility, rally and a lot of vendors. I’ve been hearing about it since Blaze was a puppy. I’ve driven by before the event was held and seen the big signs posted. I keep saying “next year!” – my dog isn’t ready, I’m too busy, etc. And I found out that they won’t be holding it again. I’m really sorry I missed the opportunity to have attended!
That same weekend we went to a local agility trial held by an almost -gone agility club that is now under new ownership/name and moving to a new location, though they may still keep the old name for hosting events. This was the club that hosted the first agility trial I participated in – and my first ‘title’ and agility ribbon.
September 2003, Blaze and I did the USDAA “Junior Handler” on leash class and passed – on our second try. The trial was held at a big park, I think at least 3 rings – much bigger than some of what we see now.
On the first try he ran out of a tunnel and took off. At that time the rings were marked with stakes and then flag/ribbon between the posts. He went and joined a kids soccer game. The judge was telling those kids “STEP ON HIS LEASH!” and while I was also very young, I knew that a kid stepping on the leash of a 65lb dog would get hurt when he pulled away! Finally someone caught him and we took him back over to the trial. The judge then told me we should join a club/class.
The next day we returned to try again. We had our friends ready to help catch him if needed and at least to hold a toy at the finish line so I could reward him if it went well. We did pass! I was very excited! We did end up joining the group where the judge taught….. but he was never able to successfully trial off leash in agility even though we were able to be off leash in classes – five years later!