Yesterday Andy and I trialed for a Schutzhund 1 and didnt make it. We ended up with a 29 in tracking. It started very well but went off the rails a couple of times and we had to stop. He did make the first corner and downed on the 1st article nicly but lost it on the second corner.

We then went to the field and re-grouped ourselves for ob. This went well with a score of 88. We rated an excellent for off leash heeling and got dinged some points for a few should be fasters. I cost us 2 points on the send out confusing where I was and sending him from a sit. Something wasnt connected in my coconut for a minute there.

Protection was terminated when Andy came off the sleeve twice. From the beginning it was just a little off. I probably could have and should have done more to help him as we entered the field but thats a lesson for next time.

It's one of those days where I had moments of grinning from ear to ear mixed in with a few What the????'s. Overall though it's an absolute great feeling. We did it, we'll do it again. I learned a lot that you won't from just training.

Good effort, and I'm glad you had fun.

Thanks for giving us the chance to learn from your mistakes.

I betcha it was fun. I wonder if lots of folks actually don't make it on the first try. I sure have read lots of "not quite" stories on forums!

It's all fun, every part. And Andy will get used to ol'roy sooner or later. (kidding)

It's tuff to put it all together for that one day. But I definitely had a lot of fun Connie.

Thanks for posting that Steve, it's encouraging for those of us who may be having trouble working up the nerve to trial

Congrats on the obedience score though, that's impressive. I'm sure you'll both be a lot stronger next time with this experience. Good luck for next time!

Hey Yuko, thanks. Glad to see you around here again.

Welcome to "My Dog Never Did That Before!!" club!!

We tend to forget that at the end of the day, they are still dogs. My guy was prone to getting especially creative during a trial.

At our regional a few years back, one guy had a very nice young dog he was trialing for a SchH1. Had a great tracking score. Dynamite heeling routine. I'm shooting away thinking this is going to be a really nice set of dumbbell exercises. Dog rocketed out after the dumbell on the flat, barely broke stride to scope it up and then ... headed off the field.

The handler gave him the second command to 'Bring!', dog turned looked over the trailer hitch, and with a big, doggy grin, flipped him the doggy bird.

The handler, knowing doggie wasn't coming back today, used his final command, as plaintive, 'Bring! PLEASE!!". Doggie decided that was it for the day and headed off to find the truck.

Lol, yeah I know those words Charlie. Just a little difference from the way you trained it and hey, "he never did that before".

Steve, congrats to you an Andy for giving it a shot at a 1.

I'm sure you both learned a lot from this experience and I hope you give it another try. I always enjoy watching your videos Steve, thanks.