Something I think is important to say about performance events with dogs is that it is okay to have individualized goals. In fact, we should have individualized goals because we are different people with different dogs and different circumstances.
Harper is a perfectly acceptable obedience dog but she is not a high scoring, precise obedience dog — it is not in her nature.
And I am a fan of listening to the nature of a dog, appreciating and honoring what she brings to the table.
LOVE this photo.
Therefore, Harper will finish up a git ‘er done CD (the novice level obedience title) and be done with obedience. Her Super Power is tracking.
On the other hand, the Specialty revealed that Claire’s Super Power actually is obedience.
No hair, No problem.
Assessment skills are a pretty important part of Life with Dogs. But an unprepared dog who did not actually know to sit on the finish (minus 2.5 points) and still scored a 196 (out of 200), placing second in a class of 50+ dogs is not exactly a subtle indication of potential.
Note extra cute collar, which is easier to see given that Claire had no coat to cover it up.
In order to maximize that potential, Claire will not show in obedience again until Spring 2020. Different dog, different goals.
Instead, we will train and train and in the process, have an awful lot of fun together.
Because if it isn’t fun — for both of us — why do it?