Delinquency is exhausting, says Capella…
Capella celebrated being eight months old yesterday by earning another Best of Breed.
If there were no Specials (Champions and Grand Champions competing in the Best of Breed class) this would be less of a Thing; it is unusual for any dog but the Specials to win Best of Breed. But there were, in fact, two male Specials — that is a tough hill for a puppy to get over. Twice.
We are now set up in Helena — the show starts tomorrow. It is a large entry and Capella is highly unlikely to have similar success in terms of ribbons, but she will get additional experience as a show dog.
She does some things REALLY well — free stacking, for example, and her down and back is controlled and lovely. She is not bothered one bit by the judge exam or showing her pearly white teeth. Where she needs work is following other dogs — she seems to think it is a chase game.
My show ring training — like all my training — is positive because I work under the assumption that if my expectations are clear and sufficiently fun/motivating, of course Capella will do what I ask.
This kind of attitude places the burden of the goal on me — not an eight month old puppy — and forces me to be a thoughtful, intentional trainer. It is a fun challenge to consider how to best communicate to Speed Racer that the goal is not actually to chase down the dog in front and invite him/her to a wrestling party.
Have a terrific day — and thanks for your support and encouragement. It is so appreciated.
