First Rally trial

[twonhshepherds]

So, we got 2 qualifying scores. We ran in Level 1 of course. This is APDT Rally and we got a respectable 189, out of a possible 210, for each run...

I have so many questions, I don't know where to start. Although the scores sound good, Cassidy was barely in the room with me. I tried to allay my nerves but to no avail....does it get easier, for the human partner?? Cassidy knows it all, can do almost everything in Level 3....but she was throwing so many calming signals...am I a bad human being for doing the second run...??

It was so good for us in many ways. She stayed calm in crowded situations,both around people and dogs. THAT, for us, is like getting a perfect score. She is learning to ignore running, barking dogs around her, in a building and outside....and she had a terrific time sniffing every dog scent...I swear she was in nirvana. We live in an isolated area so not many different dog smells in her daily life!! And, she stops sniffing, when I give her a "let's go..."

Our Rally teacher explained to me that Cassidy was with a stranger(me in another form) at the other end of the leash...and that I will get calmer and she will get used to me being, well, different....Opinions??

So, folks, does it get easier...?? Was anyone really nervous in the "beginning"...??? How many of you were calm from the get go...??
Thanks.

[DianaM]

All I have to say is CONGRATULATIONS on two Qs!

[BlackPuppy]

Congratulations! Yes, it gets easier. My first Rally trial was also my first AKC trial. Luckily, I had my faithful Doerak with me. He is so patient and likes to stay at my side.

Now that you know the drill, the worst part is the waiting. I hate when the trials start late.

I also like to practice at Show n Goes. They simulate a trial situation. Try to find some of those in your area.

[twonhshepherds]

Thanks! I will practise,practise!! We entered a Match 2 weeks ago and got to run some off leash advanced courses. Well. she loved THAT...it's me, I know and I guess I'm resigning myself to torturing my girl, until I can get my nerves under control.
Large groups of milling dogs still cause Cass a bit of stress which seems to set off my protection mode...then guess what, I stress...a catch 22.

And, yes, the waiting is horrible...I tried all my tricks on her and forgot about ...breathing..
I guess I just needed to vent

[mjbgsd]

The nerve part will get easier! My first trial was a few years ago and I use to get really nervous with Cody but after a few months of it, I just decided it wasn't worth it to get nervous. Unless you want the top score, you're not really against anyone so you could think of it as it's just you and your dog in the ring getting a leg towards your next title. That's how I see it.
Good job at the Qs!

[twonhshepherds]

Thanks for the reply. I really don't care about the score and was a bit confused when people at the trial congratulated us..I thought it was so obvious that Cass was soooo not happy. She hasn't blown me off like she did on Sunday, in a while. Rally, to me, is like dancing with your dog.A happy time, shared.I'd rather NQ and feel like we're enjoying it than get a good score.

I have tried to figure out what went wrong...was she nervous, which made me nervous..?? Or was I just so nervous about whatever, that she picked up on it. Cassidy is very sensitive and NOT the most confident dog.

I'm going to continue classes and the matches, which are so much fun!! I'm thinking of skipping the Trials, with all the nervous energy, for a while.

[balakai]

Maybe you could take some Rescue Remedy the morning of your next trial!

~Kristin

[tawnyhillshepherds]

Though I still get nervous while waiting my turn once I enter the ring everything dissapears around me and it's just me and my dog. We did get our RAE last year so that was a whole lot of times in the ring. When we went for our CD I was more nervous but obedience tends to do that to me whereas agility I am not usually nervous anymore so I would say yes it does get easier but it does depend on where you and your dog's personalities. My dog has great fun in the ring so that makes it easier to not stress over things.

[Lauri & The Gang]

When I competed in AKC obedience with my girl Neke I was a total nervous wreck ... which made her a total cling-on. Great for the heeling, not so great for the long sit & down.

A fellow competitor told me to think of something funny right before I go in the ring and laugh (or at least smile). I would have Neke 'wave' at me (her favorite trick) and we both were much more relaxed.