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April Showers

April 3rd and it is raining cats and dogs.  Started last night and it is still going strong today (midday).   Perhaps the dogs mid-day walk will be shortened a tad, although once out and about, they usually enjoy the romp and mud.  On the other hand, I don’t…  after this mornings walk, I told Charlie Brown he was one wet towel away from a BATH!  One can only hope all this rain will lead to May flowers!

Charlie and I participated in an obedience routine that was critiqued by Butch Henderson last weekend–a mock trial type set-up with training gear, food, balls allowed.  I tried to keep my routine trial-like, although when Charlie went around the jump, I made him go back and jump it both ways.  I also used a toy for the go-out.  It was a good exercise for both me and Charlie.  I continue to learn trial routine, including in the Sch II routine you DO NOT call your dog to a front from the stand…. oops.  Butch reaffirmed my problem areas (wide about turns, crooked fronts, going past the dumbbell before picking it up and the need to work on my moving stand).  Charlie is pretty correct in his heeling position, but I need to add the excitement and zing back for us both. 

We didn’t get a critique on protection, but I already know we are working on control in drive and improving Charlie’s technique in the reattack after the escape bite.  

I can’t say much about our tracking.  We don’t get enough practice.  Charlie is much better than when we got our Sch I last November (but that is not saying alot since we were not exactly great) and I’m more aware of what Charlie is telling me.  We are a work in progress! 

I’m hoping to have Charlie collected this Spring as he just turned four…his last Holter and Echo were excellent.  This is a good time.  I just need to make it happen.