On the road again.

Katie, husband and I went to an obedience trial today.  She earned her 2nd leg (out of 3 required) for Novice Obedience.  I got us there way way too early.  Again.  Supposedly they were starting at 11 and I counted the entries, did the math, and we showed up about 12:30.  I don’t think we were on deck until after 4.  Katie spent the time in her crate or on her Dad’s lap, or wandering around with me.  The building was very hot and small.  It was a long wait.

Hanging with my Daddy!

There were 3 dogs entered in Novice B (the novice class for people that have titled a dog previously) and 4 of us in Novice A (the novice class for people that have never done this before.)   By the time we got going Katie was pretty much over it all..but she did just fine considering.  She was excellent during the stand for exam – she didn’t move at all.  Such a good girl!  She lagged on the heeling, and came in way way crooked on the recall.  But at least she came when I called!  We saw other dogs in higher levels that just sat there when their folks asked them to come!

Only one of the 3 dogs in Novice B qualified; the other two in that class laid down during the long sit.  It was hot in that building and I don’t blame them at all!

Katie sits like a good dog.

Only two of the four of us in Novice A qualified, the other two dogs went crazy and either had zoomies during their run or walked away during the long sit.  Sad for their owners.  But I was proud of Katie.  She looked at all the nonsense surrounding her during the long sits and downs and just stared at me.  She didn’t move.  Did I mention she’s a good dog?

So all in all, she earned her ribbon, hung out like a trooper, smiled at me before we began and did her best to follow my somewhat bumbling directions.

Oh yea…she’s a very good dog.

Another ribbon for the girl.

Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful.

Katie here.  You know, first Mama goes and visits Ricky without me.  Then she takes me to school and tells me I have to pay attention more because she’s registered me for another trial and we have to get focused.

And then she brings CHICKEN to school and I’m so crazy I can hardly stand it.  She says she thinks I’m a little too motivated with the chicken and says maybe she’ll go back to cheese.  I say, how can  I be TOO motivated anyway!?!  Mamas are crazy.

So anyway, Mama registered me for my very first obedience trial!  Ha!  Like she thinks I’m going to be obedient?  Me?  I’m a princess….in case any of you have forgotten.  I do what I want when I want to.  Unless there’s cheese or even better chicken.  Then I do exactly what my Mama wants right away.  I guess I can be bought.

The trial is Sunday April 28 at an arena about an hour away.  Wish us luck everybody!  We’ve got a couple of weeks to practice.  Mama says she doesn’t have to memorize any crazy signs and all I have to do is heel when she says to heel and watch her.  I suppose I can do that.  Oh.  And come when she calls.  And sit when I’m supposed to sit.  And stand when I’m supposed to stand.  And not be afraid of the judge even when she touches me!  But those long sits and downs?  I got that, no problem.

I may be a princess…but I am an educated princess.