Whisper finally got her AD (Agility Dog title) at the USDAA trial this weekend.

What a trial! Friday was cold and rainy. We were scheduled to run Steeple Chase. After last weekend's horrible showing with Whisper, I definitely decided to use the run for training only. We've changed to a quick release contact on the DW and AF. It was the first time I used it in a trial and it was the first time it looked exactly like it looked in practice. This steeple chase round had the weaves twice. The first set, she didn't want to do them (long story about how I broke her weaves in competition about a month ago.) I made sure she did them, it took a while but she did the second set of 6 happily. Then it was time for some speed jumping. They had to come around a long set of wide open jumps to a broad jump to the weaves and she nailed them (only about 10% of the dogs competing actually completed this weave entry correctly). The entire trial cheered for her because she had such a problem with the first set. It was a successful run. Rigal - not so much.

Anyway, the weather held cloudy and cool Saturday morning. Whisper was really fast - except the weaves again - and the dang table - we lost at least 25 seconds on the table with her barking at me. But we squeaked in a few seconds under time. She got a gorgeous ribbon. I was thrilled for her.

The rest of the weekend was brutally hot 95 degrees. Sunday we got to play in starters without it counting for anything. The club had an award for the weekend - the team in Starters Standard who was having the most fun together. Whisper and I won the award for our Standard run on Sunday. She nailed her weave poles and I had a huge party for her - this was after a huge table / tunnel blunder that had me cracking up and Whisper barking at me on the table again and taking loads of time. Anyway, I guess our run was quite amusing because we won the award. I was very pleased. Whisper also got her second leg of Advanced jumpers in 95 degree direct sunlight yesterday afternoon and second place. She wasn't fast but she wasn't slow. All and all I am pleased. I did scratch some of our runs because of the heat.

Rigal did well. He cleaned up in Pairs, Jumpers, Standard and Gamblers (a whopping 58 points!) and got loads of blue ribbons. He would have gotten his P1 title (the equivalent of the AD but for performance) but he blew his DW contact in standard. I was delirious and probably didn't give him his contact cue. Oh well.

The dogs were happy to have the lake after the trial. Whisper couldn't wait to go swimming. My dad took some great pictures. I'll post them shortly. Wait until you see the AD ribbon - it looks like she actually got her ADCH.

That sounds like a great weekend!!!

I totally wish I could see video of you and whispy in starters---that's so great you won an award for having so much fun!!!

Congrats!

What a great weekend! Way to go yintzy, Whisper and Rigal!

I'm totally laughing at the mental image of Whisper barking and giving you hell. She's such a diva. What a great award for the trial to give. At the trial I watched some people seemed so very serious rather than having fun playing with their dogs. I can understand that when I think about the time and effort invested but ultimately don't you (generic you) do this to have fun? I love that this trial made a point of recognizing the fun piece of it.

And wow Rigal, what an impressive weekend!

I can't wait to see the pictures.

Congratulations on a great trial!

Thumbs up!!
Nice pics too!!!

Chiefy agrees..he hates running in the heat. He prefers mild temps with little wind...what a snot!

congrats!!

So what's her full name now?

LOL! I guess it's Mikamar Best Kept Secret, OA, OAJ, AD, NJC, CGC - not sure if the CGC really belongs there. The AD also implies a standard title and she also has the jumpers title but I took the short cut and moved to Advanced next week.

I think I'm just gonna call her Whispy if that's OK. What a mouthful name to remember!

Wowee! Good job gals- can't wait to see the pics

Wow nice job Yintzy and Whispy!

Congratulations, I know the table sassing well. Be careful though I worked with Echo so much he took an off course table the next trial.

WoHoo!!! Way to go Whispy!! Sounds like you had a great weekend!!

Looks like the weather this weekend will be somewhat decent and not crazy hot, I am looking forward to it. See you then!!

Yes I'll see you this weekend. I can't wait to see Dasher and Zip run. Look for us, we'll be tented by the starters/advanced ring. My fingers are crossed for good weather.

Hey, that's great! Where will you be this coming weekend?

Congratulations!