For some time, I've been telling you about Sasha, my rescue German Shepherd. Since sometime in late winter, we've completed 2 eight-week "Family Dog" Obedience courses and a four-week Canine Good Citizen class (plus took the CGC test a couple of weeks after that class ended. We're most of the way through a "Beginning Rally Obedience" class, and approaching half way through her first Agility class, with Fun with Nosework to start in a couple of weeks and "Advanced Rally", before the end of August (when Beginning Rally ends) and are trying to prep for a Therapy Dog test.
Please join me over the jump - jumps are used in Blogs, Open & Utility level Obedience, Agility, and Advanced Rally - so: Over!
For most Performance Events, a dog must qualify multiple times to earn the title. For example, a dog shown in Junior Hunter must earn four pretty orange qualifying ribbons under multiple judges, before it becomes a Junior Hunter (Sparky, JH). A dog shown in Novice Obedience must earn three pretty green qualifying ribbons under multiple judges, before it becomes a Companion Dog (Sparky, CD).
Every time a dog qualifies and gets one step closer to their title, they are said to have earned a leg.
This morning, Sasha earned her first leg ever. It was in an APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers) Rally, Level 1.
There were two trials, and we NQ'd (received "not qualified") mostly because I missed a sign I got Sasha into a sit, as per one sign, but then didn't walk around her, as per the next sign. The judge also told me that I had the lead too taut.
So, in the next trial, I focused separately on each sign, as I previewed the course, and I focused on keeping the lead loose - if Sasha forged or lagged (and the lead tighted, I encouraged her to get back next to me.
In the regular portion of the course, we earned 188 of 200 points. The bonus exercise had me call her to front, and then sidestep right or left. I've worked on this with the nutjob, and she leaped in the air and sat in front of me, after I sidestepped. We got 10 points on the bonus.
Our 198 points brought us a pretty green qualifying ribbon and a 4th place ribbon. And: the fourth place was not because there were only 4 teams - 5 placements were awarded, and 2 or 3 other dogs qualified, but did not earn placements. Yay for Sasha.
So: My dog has one leg. We have two more trials tomorrow, and I'm hoping to finish her title tomorrow. Cross your fingers for us. :)