First RN leg!

jatango · 06-22-2008, 08:36 AM

Wonder and I went to our first show today and got a leg towards our RN! We got a score of 93 and second place. I was a proud proud mama, and Wonder got a toy truck and a small can of cat food. <chuckle> The look on his face was priceless, "You mean...I can eat this...CAT FOOD!? Numnumnumnum" He carried his stuffie around for a good half hour before spilling its guts, a destructo-record!

Pre-novice however, did not go as swimmingly. It was 2pm by the time we actually got into the ring and we had both been up since 5. He was exhausted, I was exhausted and he just didn't want to be out there. Oh well, lesson(s) learned! It made for some funny video though, the judge asked if we had thought about a singing career! <g>

Here's video evidence of the 93 and the um...incident.

Enjoy!

PS - Please feel free to critique! I know the Pre-Novice looked horrible and he doesn't usually just wander like that. Completely my fault. I was nervous about the performance and the judge and he knew it. I wasn't leading, so he decided to try to figure it out himself! Silly mama!

Rally

Pre-Novice

Sits and Downs

**Luvbirds59** · 06-22-2008, 08:46 AM

CONGRATS!!!!!

You guys look FANTASTIC!!!!

Carol & Petey!
ox

**Burns** · 06-22-2008, 09:17 AM

So cool! I love watching the videos.

Please pardon my stupidity, but was exactly is Rally?

jatango · 06-22-2008, 09:29 AM

Rally is like obedience, only more loosely structured and IMO, more fun! You follow set signs and do what they say, basically. It's a blast and the dogs love it. Unlike OB, you can do anything but touch your dog. Chatter, whistle, talk, etc. Wonder and I love it! He thinks it's fun to heel in circles around me and back up like a crazy man. You can see he is so excited that he's actually stepping on my feet while we were backing up. Luckily, we had either a very nice or very busy judge.

Technically your dog isn't supposed to impede your progress. Oops!

You and Red should go to a show and do novice A! I promise you guys could do the exercises, I've seen your videos too.

American Kennel Club - Getting Started in Rally

http://www.akc.org/pdfs/about/board_...egulations.pdf
Scroll down until you get to the clip art signs.

**Burns** · 06-22-2008, 09:31 AM

That sounds cool. I think I would like it better than the strictly structured OB too. I should look into it in my area. Looks like great fun!

**VegasHR** · 06-22-2008, 09:45 AM

Good Job, congratulations on your first leg. If you don't mind me asking what did you gets points off for in the Rally? Wonder has a great finish right-how did you teach him that, he has such impulsion. I have a hard time with Vegas and finishes, he doesn't care to do anything in a hurry. lol.
Vegas is the same way as wonder, it seems in the Rally ring he is more attentive, then in the obedience ring he falls apart. If the signs aren't there then it's just a place to play or goof off. I haven't done a trial yet, only match shows. Our first trial is in July- I only hope we do as well as you and Wonder. Great job, thanks for the videos.

jatango · 06-22-2008, 10:04 AM

The posted sheet didn't list why I missed points, just that I did. The ring was running behind, so I didn't go try to get an explanation. I imagine it was a few points for a tight leash once, and a few for dog impeding progress. He bumped me a lot.

I taught his finish right by playing a version of Kim's "getitgetitgetit" game. I'd call him to front, have a treat in my right hand holding it under my thumb so he could see it and get a taste. (Also works with a super duper toy!) Then I would let him notice the treat and squeal "Wonder Around! get it-get it-get it!" Switch the treat to your left hand behind your back and lure him to heel. Keep repeating "get it" excitedly and quickly until he gets to heel position, then "Good AROUND!" I then spit a treat to get him focused on my face.

Just use like...a gummy bear or something if you don't like bait in your mouth. Wonder looooves candy.

Wonder is a big thinker and anticipates, so eventually I just faded the "get it" and gave him the command. The first time you fade, it can be tough. Use a verbal marker or a clicker to help him know that what he did was perfect! The treat luring turns into the hand motion. Eventually I made the treat in my right hand either a piece of lettuce or a bottle cap, something he could care less about. He knew the good stuff came from my face, so he would whip around and then look up. Good luck! Let me know if you need any clarification.

Also, if vegas isn't doing anything in a hurry, you may not have the right motivation. He needs something he flips out for. Try Easy Cheese, the spray cheese in the can, Wonder loses his brain over easy cheese. We always shape behaviors with easy cheese because it causes him to be motivated enough to think. I have to be super quick with that clicker though, he's a nut!

DobeGirl07 · 06-22-2008, 10:11 AM

Great job to you and Wonder boy! Congrats!!!

Lexxsmom · 06-22-2008, 10:49 AM

great work! makes me feel like I should really step up Lexx's training!

What a beautiful boy too!

**VegasHR** · 06-22-2008, 10:58 AM

Tennis balls are his favorite thing in the world, the problem then is that he loses his mind and won't do anything except sit in front of me and stare at the ball. Guess I have to find something else of value but not as much as a tennis ball. The easy cheese is a great idea, I'm going to try that one. Thanks.