WCFO Video Competition

[DancingCavy]

We managed to video twice for the canine freestyle video competition today. I was armed with VERY high level reinforcement (McDonald's french fries) as a warm up treat and post-performance jackpot. Risa decided to get creative and make up her own new move today and she didn't feel like doing the paw raises. But she still looked good and like she was having fun so that's all that mattered.

I was worried about our second attempt and I almost called it quits before we even started it. With the video competitions, the cameraperson has to video 5-7 seconds of our ID card, 5-7 seconds of the ring we're competing in, and 5-7 seconds of us standing there waiting to start. I somehow managed to keep Ris in our start position for all of that the first time but she was not interested the second. She kept checking out and saying "See ya, Mom!" leaving me to go after her and try and get her back with me. *Sigh* I think the third try I squatted down with her and rubbed her around talking to her and keeping her more focused (though she really wasn't convinced) and then after our cameraperson started filming the ring, asking her into our start position. I honestly wasn't sure I would have her during our performance. But once we started moving, she was right there.

So we have two performances to send in to compete with. Assuming both of them Q, Risa and I will have earned a Beginner's title in WCFO Freestyle!

[Brightelf]

YAY Jamie and Risa! Good luck in the competition! VERY creative of both you and Risa. You set her up for success, she also clearly anticipated having FUN. This will be so cool if the videos qualify!! I want you guys to get that title-- too cool!! It kinda sounds like Risa pics up on your motions when you start moving... herding breeds in there? When do we get to see clips from the videos? Am I nosy, or what??

I wish you'd send in vids of her after-bath zoomies!

[DancingCavy]

I will try and post the videos when I can. But I offer no guarantees. I thought WCFO posted some of the entries online but it's MDSA that does. Poo.

Your comment about Ris picking up on my motions made me realize something. When we worked freestyle early on, I had to constantly remind her to be in heel position. But I think I only cued her to heel once after the music started. After that, she just followed me around whether on the right or left side. 'Course, I am blabbing at her the entire time (when I'm not issuing commands). It was sort of nice to realize she is in tune enough with me to just follow my lead.

I also remembered one of our attempts when she just kept going forward after I had stopped to cue her and I had a brief moment of "Oh no, she's leaving me! I'd better get her!" But right before I went to go after her, she turned around and performed as I asked. WHEW!

I don't think after-bath zoomies count as a freestyle routine. But they are fun as heck! I don't even have to bathe her to get them. It's the toweling off that gets her revved!