It has been a little while since I posted.. the last few weeks have been quite a ride. With my kids in town, there is no doubt Hemi and I didn't get our time in like we usually did, but I was able to sneak in a Fun Match.
I was dragging, it had been a really active week, out of town weddings, dinners, Sea World, Ranger Game... it was really hot and I didn't know of anyone that was going to this fun match. {hear all those excuses?} I was wavering on even going, but I really wanted to opportunity to see how Hemi and I were coming along in a non-PAWS environment.
So I packed up - rather reluctantly - and drove out to Prosper.
There were many things I was happy about - good contacts, good weaves, tables - some - but minimal sassing. Hemi and I had a great evening.
But I was mostly proud of the fact that I went out there with a plan, goals in mind and that I didn't just take the course in the numbered order. We did a few stays with me twirling her toy in front of her, threw the ball at the end of a really good set of weaves, made her do her "job" at the end of the contacts...I took toys and treats and we worked on the things we needed. I whooped and hollered, praised her, treated her and laughed many times - I just really had fun and I know Hemi did too. She was completely glued to me, I was the "cookie"! I was really amazed at how many handlers went out there and all they did was run the course. No happy, No whooping, No toys, No treats. Maybe that was their goal but my thought is:
"Hey! the key word is FUN match!"
Agility class Thursday was really fun too. My goal was to keep ahead of Hemi in every run. And - funny enough in one of my runs Hemi missed a tunnel because I was so far ahead of her, she turned when I did (way to early) and bypassed the tunnel. I was tickled pink when Debbie said - "You were too far ahead of her!" I thought "Boohya!" - silly reaction to an error - but Goal MET!
I feel if I can keep up the speed - that her understanding of my body language will get better and our timing is going to drop right in place! I love that she is making me a better handler. I also love the fact that just like right this minute, this Hemi dog with lots of drive can curl up and be content with her head on my lap. Vroom Vroom... :o)
