We had a three day trial this weekend on Staten Island, 20 minutes from my house. Though we didn't qualify all weekend, I wanted to brag anyway. Since we got into Ex. B, I've been working on different things. One is a happy start line and going back to lead outs and the other is speed.

We had 6 runs and 5 out of 6 were happy start lines. I did my lead outs without worrying and on Sunday even did a two jump lead out. While she didn't blast off the start, she only sniffed on one run and she had a bad experience on the way to the ring and on the way into the ring. We've got a pretty nice warm up routine going too. I'm much more relaxed.

We mostly didn't Q for two reasons, one is speed. She kicked it up a few notches this weekend and I couldn't compensate my handling for fast dog so she went off course or I was too close to her line. Weave poles were an issue this weekend as well. I think the speed contributed to the problem and she didn't get her striding right.

Despite having a problem with the judge and not finishing any courses so not actually knowing her yps, so many things felt right, I was able to send her and get into my place for crosses even if it set the incorrect line. This includes a crazy border collie-esque rear cross / line change at the triple. I couldn't get the front in and had planned a rear after the triple to cue the turn. I couldn't get there. I must have been 10 - 15 feet behind her so I sent her and crossed and she read it perfectly. She was really motoring. I'm very proud of how she did this weekend.

Good for you and Whisper! Q's are nice, but I think having a good time with your dog and making progress on things you've been working on is nicer!

Yay for fast and happy runs! I can relate to the "fast" dog handling challenges...Indy has sooo much more speed in trials than practice.

And good for you for not obsessing over the Q's...they will come.

I agree with the fast dog goofiness.

yay for the happiness...that is worth more than the q's!

Sounds like you had a great weekend overall.

Sounds like an awesome weekend!!! I'm glad to hear she's having lots of fun out there!

Sounds great! And yay for fun!