This weekend Massey and I attended an agility seminar on how to do games(snooker and gamble) followed the next day by a fun match.
Here are the pros's and con's of the weekend.
Pros's
-Learned about how to play these games. (i love snooker, and it would seem so does Massey)
- day spent with great people and their dogs, and got to meet some new dog/handler teams
- day out with Massey working on our teamwork
-once I have Massey working with me she is fast.
- homework that I have been doing with my treadle, 180's, pinwheels, and serpentine ques are paying off.
Con's
- learned that Massey can still get stressed at start lines/mid course if I do not have a "flowy path" and start sniffing.
- Massey needs work on distance ques, she really doesn't like to take direction to work away from me
Plan
- work more on distance
- practice her warm up routine and the ready, ready game in a variety of new places.
- reward more often
So basically what I have learned is that I put too much pressure and expectations on myself and when as a team we do not live up to these goals I am disappointed and upset that I was not a better teammate for my dog (which really really makes me angry at myself, because I know better and I let her down).
I can make excuses about how all the other crap going on in my life right now got in the way, but the truth is I was not what Massey needed from me.
If I look back to where we were this time last year I can not help but be proud of all that we have accomplished together and how far she has come and I truly need to remember this on a daily basis.
Live each day the fullest you can, not guaranteeing there'll be a tomorrow, not dwelling endlessly on yesterday.
Author: Jane Seymour
Maureen, you and Massey are doing great, like you said - just think were you were a year ago! You've got the right attitude about it, you love your dog, and know how you can make things better, and that is the most important thing of all.
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