Well i found i had a free weekend so decided last minute to go along to GT Agility as its only a couple of hours away from me and i really wanted to get Campbell into senior this year. He only needed 4 agility points so i felt confident i could do that in a weekend. I love going to UKA shows as you get a good choice of classes and can choose to train in the ring which is always helpful. I went up early Saturday morning and arrived when it wasn't too hot although it quickly heated up to a level that i almost didn't want to run my dogs in.
Saturday
First up Campbell had Novice Agility. Quite a sensible straight forward course (some of the novice courses i did last year were horrendous!)that i knew would run quite fast. I wasn't looking to get a place as i was happy with 2 points from a clear so didn't really mind that the faster dogs would probably beat us. Well to my surprise Campbell did a lovely round to come 4th, although i was far from happy with his contacts but that was my fault for handling him differently than how i do in training. That gave him his final 4 points and moved him into senior which i was really really happy about. He's such and honest dog and tries so hard for me and i really enjoy working him. He might not be the fastest but he is tight and accurate.
Next up he had Novice jumping and did a nice but slow round due to the heat to finish clear. I didn't want to do anything more with him as it was far too hot and he had worked really well in the first two classes. He also came 3rd in the 'Tough Enough' qualifier as he had a double clear in the agility and jumping but only the first two qualify so he didn't quite make it this time.
Cai had Beginners Agility first. It was the same as the Novice course but i didn't feel it was too much for him. He did a good round that was pretty slow for him as he still doesn't have the confidence in the ring that he has in training but there were lots of nice bits. His contacts were lovely and he got his weaves on the first go. He just had 1 pole down and ran past one jump. He also waited on the start line which really surprised me as he usually buggers off the minute i let go of his collar and i have to make a mad dash to catch up with him! I still cant believe when i finish a round that ive actually done it with him. I never would have believed even last year he would be out competing.
Next he had beginners steeplechase. Again a nice round but had 1 pole down and missed one jump! i hope this doesn't become habit! The annoying thing is it not always in the same situation he misses a jump sometimes he still just starts cutting across me for no reason although a lot of the time its his massive stride that causes him to land almost past the next jump so doesn't give him time to adjust to take off and forces him to run past.
Chico got two runs today. Beginners agility was actually not that bad! just came off the seesaw a bit early so he finished on 5f. He was a bit slow generally and his weaves were painfully slow and creepy but at least he actually did them. Beginners Steeplechase was ok and a fairly good speed but he had the first pole down so again finished on 5f. Sometimes i wonder why i both with him as he really doesn't put any effort in and can get quite stressed if he has to queue but screams if i leave him in the van without a go!
Sunday
Campbells first day at senior. I decided to train one round and do one for competition. First up he had senior snooker which i decided to run as he usually does well in games classes as its not all down to speed. I walked the course and almost changed my mind as it was horrendous! We both did our best although i did hesitate at one point as i was sure we had been eliminated but the judge didn't seem sure of the rules so i carried on going and he finished 3rd so now has his first 6 senior points. I decided to train his agility round as i wanted to know i could put him back on the contacts if he didn't stop. I was in two minds while walking the course though as it was a lovely course with a good mixture of handling required. I decided i really need to sort his contacts out before we loose them again so did a training round. He didn't stop on the seesaw which was the second obstacle so i put him back over after and that he stopped in a perfect position on the dog walk and A frame exactly like he does in training so hopefully that has helped to remind him that i expect a stop at shows as well as in training.
Cai had 3 runs. 2 nearly runs in the Agility and steeplechase and a cracking round in the jumping to finish clear in 3rd place. That's his first clear round and place outdoors on grass so i finally feel we are getting somewhere.
Chico just had beginners jumping and decided he couldn't weave again! little bugger.
Had i known how hot it was going to be id never have gone but i was really pleased with how they all did in the heat.
