Our first agility show, and my nerves were getting to me.  Jumpers 24in.  Can I remember my course?  Please Cooper just stay in the ring with me.  I remember nothing about the course except it was fast.    As I leashed my dog, i heard clapping.  HOLY SMOKES,  a clean run.   Cooper you did it man!!!  Our first Jumpers leg.   Standard course was another thing.  Dang pigeons!  They flew on the ground and Cooper came to a screaching hault.  Or should I say Point?  After we finally finished the course, the judge said “Nice point”   What could I say? He is a bird dog.

 

The second day of the show, we stayed in Novice level for practice.  Cooper earned second place.

On the third day, I decided to move Cooper up to the advanced level.  This was nerve racking because it was off leash and we had not practiced.    To my surprise, Cooper earned third place and qualified in advanced. 

The last day of the show, both of us were exhausted.  I told Cooper that I was thrilled with him and this was just going to be a relaxed day.  By taking off all pressure, Cooper took second place and qualifed for his second advanced leg.  I didnt care how foolish we looked, Cooper and I jumped for joy in the ring.  The judge told me that she could clearly see how happy he was to work for me.  She compliment me on my show attitude-  apparently she heard me say outside the ring….. “This is just a dog show. I’m here to spend time with my dog.