So I've been VERY busy. Doing a lot of training at Judy Vanderford's and learning and improving so much. Here's an update!

Conan and I trial for our HT this weekend! We'll be getting both our legs, one Saturday and one Sunday. I'm actually not as nervous as I thought I would be.

We were supposed to have our last lesson (before the trial) with Judy on Monday, but we got rained out. We have to cross a riverbed to get to her place and my little car won't make it through. But she will be there Friday morning (open field) to help us for an hour. I'm really excited.

For the HT, we walk in on lead, have a pause, I send him, we have to do two changes of direction around two pylons, and then we have a stop and a recall. The thing I'm really worried about is Conan's recall. His stop is surprisingly very good. But his recall with the sheep in the pen is another story. Last Friday I went out to Judy's and we worked by ourselves for about an hour. I worked mostly on his stop and recall. We did well, but I still don't know if he'll have it down during each trial. He does better as he gets tired, and since we're only in the pen for 10 minutes during HT I think he'll be too fired up to recall.

Supposedly the judges are VERY helpful though. So I'm looking forward to that. It also helps that the trial is at Judy's ranch and she is an AKC judge (though not judging this trial, obviosuly, as most of us are her students). I've learned so much already.

Needless to say, I'm ready to compete and I think Conan is too. If we don't pass, oh well, there's always next time. Judy really thinks we can do it. Most importantly, we're going to have so much fun! I'm looking forward to meeting all the other Corgi owners who train in herding.

Wish us luck!

Good luck and have a great time!

Katie,
Wishing you and Conan all the very best of luck in getting your HT.
Just enjoy yourself and Conan will be right there beside you, enjoying it all as well. We will be thinking of you this weekend!

Katie- Good luck to you! My mix just received his AKC mixed dog number, maybe one day we'll be able to try as well ! Wishing you smart sheep and a thinking dog!

That's great, Katie. I hope you have a great time AND get your title.

Go Conan, the sheep Barbarian!

With the HT the judge is actually in the ring with you and they are very helpful.
If your dog has any ability to gather at all it's just a matter of moving from cone to cone and letting the dog keep the sheep to you.
With the judge being in the ring some green dogs may gather the sheep to the judge. Just let the dog know where you are and it'll do it's job.
Don't be afraid to ask the judge if you get stalled on something. For the HT they are looking for basic instincts in the dog NOT profesional handling.
Relax and enjoy!

You and Conan will have a blast, best of luck to you guys.

 Quote: Katie Finlay

He does better as he gets tired, and since we're only in the pen for 10 minutes during HT I think he'll be too fired up to recall.

Katie...have a blast!

Wear him out a little bit before you enter the pen for your trial. It should help some.

leih

Thanks everyone!! I'm really looking forward to it. I followed all your advice, Leih. Especially when going to training. I walked into the pen pretending like it was the day of the trial and just kept doing mock HTs over and over. Focusing mostly on his stop and recall.

Bob, that makes me feel so much better. I keep thinking it's going to be so hard! But Judy says I shouldn't even worry about it. In reality I know it's really not going to be much more than a lesson.

I'll definitely keep everyone updated. Thanks so much again, we really appreciate your support!!

You're gonna do great.:smile:

Can't wait to here about it.