Better today

His individual exercises weren't as good because the ring was a bit more distracting, but his stays appeared solid so he Q'd with a 194.5 and First place.

Later on, we went out to play with his winnings.

 

ARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Somebody got up on the down stay with 5 seconds to go, blowing a 198.5 and High in Trial!!!!!!

AAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Last "expensive match" before the big time!

We went to Hollywood DOC's trial where Teaz once again failed to get another UDX leg (I suppose I should work her some...).  This was also Sketch's last "practice" before we go for his CD and he did quite well.  He won Preferred Novice with a 197.5, so hopefully he will do as well next weekend!

 

HOT HOT HOT

We went to Tucson for the GSD club of S AZ trials.  I don't usually travel for Rally, but I love this club, but damn it's HOT!  I actually broke down and got a motel room because it isn't cooling down enough to sleep at night.  We spent Friday looking for Mariposa Lillies and I did finally find one.

 

Sketch found a Horned Toad too.

Looking for flowers is hot work!

Today, Sketch earned his second RE leg with First place despite a bitch peeing in the ring *right* before we went in.  His nose kept trying to lead him astray but  he listened and did a nice job.

Sunday didn't go as well - I made a 10 point handler error in Rally so even though he did finish his RE, he didn't get the placement he deserved for HIS work.  And by the time Preferred Novice came around, Sketch was just too tired and hot to do a decent job.  The other dog entered felt the same way as we were only Second by one point!  ;-)

Quick trip

We did one day of the Apple Valley KC trials on Friday.  Sketcher earned his first RE leg with First place and probably would have had a perfect score if I'd bothered to teach him the back up three steps sign!  Teaz also managed to get her fourth UDX leg including a Fourth in a fairly competitive Utility B class.

On the way home, the dogs had a nice runamok in the desert, where Sketch posed on a Joshua Tree log.

And I got some wildflower pics.

 

A new title

We went down to Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center for three trials, where Sketch really shone.  He went three for three legs to earn his RA, earning a perfect score and First in the class each time.

On Saturday Teaz was entered to try to get a UDX leg - she only got half ...  ;-)

Suede was there Friday - this is the best picture I got of her!

And done!

Field fun

We did an HRC Started test today and other than some less than stellar line manners, Sketch did very well and earned his third leg.  I will see if I can find another test at some point so he won't have to wait a year to get that last leg!