Mama's boy weekend.

photo by Amanda and her iPhone :)

Just me and K-man this weekend. I think he really enjoyed being with his mama. And I really enjoyed my time with him too! I didn't even have to resort to strangling him!! Pete and the girls were at home - and good lord he spoils those dogs.... another post for another day.

I had K entered in 2 Open rounds and 2 Rally Exc.

I try my hardest not to get nervous - god, if only I could be as confident in the Obedience ring as I am in the Agility ring. But considering this was our 6th & 7th time in the Obedience ring EVER - I feel more and more confident each time I go in.

K got his first Open leg with a 187. I was really happy with his score - his heeling was NOT great - which is too bad, as he is an amazing heeler when I am not nervous. Of all my dogs, Kaleb picks up on the nerves more than anyone. So I know it is my nerves when he gets a little antsy. I will do better for HIM next time. AND Only 1 bark in his out of sight stays! YAHOOO!!! That is a long way from 10 barks!

His second day Open was even better - I revved him up more before we went in the ring - using my routine I do for Agility to get him focused, and his routine was much better - I like him peppy, up and a little insane - we just work good that way, seriously! He got through his opening - probably one of our best yet. But at 3 minutes on the Stays, he layed down as we were turning the corner BOO! BUT*** He DID NOT BARK ONCE in either stay, I know now a big deal you say, but that is the FIRST TIME EVER, he has not barked in a stay - he was the most relaxed I have ever seen him. SO that in itself was awesome. No Q but, honestly, I was more thrilled with that performance than the one we got the Q in! I honestly NEVER thought I'd get up the nerve to get in the Open RIng, and now I am enjoying it so much, I can't wait until the next time. I have a great group of supportive friends who have helped me - so thanks Amanda, Liz and Kim :)

We was really good in Excellent Rally - BUT he need to train the back up - 5 points off one day, and 10 points off the next. Somehow he managed 2 High in Classes - his lowest Rally Scores ever and he gets HICs?? Go figure.

I have 2 weeks to teach him to back up PROPERLY... and not like a drunk teenager, backing up a semi-truck in a dark alley. I hope you can imagine the visual ...

Any extra creative advice in teaching the back up would be appreciated - we are getting there, just a slow process.

Other weekend highlights:

Kaleb and his Harem of Flattie chicks ...

Wicca and the empty box of Timbits ...

Kaleb met his "cousin", stole her toys and his "uncle" gave him a big meaty bone ... this first family meeting went VERY well!!

Now back to reality ....