However, when Becky told me that the set-up for one of the bookstores would allow him to be further away from the action (i.e. the kids' book section) and we could have a go as being greeters, I jumped at the opportunity. I knew that Gander has always been much better in one-on-one situations with kids than he is with adults; besides, he has been to on so many bookstore visit with me that I knew he would do well.
Sure enough, he was a rock star at Third Place Books last Thursday night. Both Mark and Becky were impressed at how he was. Yes, I did a bit of work with him so that he is no longer rewarded for rolling over without our asking him to do so, but deep down, I knew he would do well in that specific situation.
In fact, he did so well that when I asked Becky if we could be greeters at Borders in Redmond Town Center, she was all for it! He even had permission to get a bit closer to the kids' section; if he gets overwhelmed, we would just move furhter away. Another chance for him to shine! If we keep this up, he just might become a 'Rover' this fall!
Went to a dog show for the first time at the beginning of the month. I wanted to see Rally-O in real life. And after seeing the Rally Excellent competition, I am pretty sure that Gander has the potential to do well in the Novice level. So he is now signed up to be in an obedience trial at the end of the month. It is a 2-day event with 2 different judges for each day. So if he happens to qualify this time, he would have 2 legs towards the AKC RN title. But the goal this time is really to get some experience and have some fun with him. Qualifying would be a bonus, having fun is the mission!
So far, except for today, I have been practicing about 5 to 10 minutes with him everyday. He gets bored after a while, so I need to keep it short and sweet. Even got some soccer orange cones to practice the weaves and figure-of-eights with him.
Also started rowing again at the beginning of the month. Tough getting up so early in the morning, but the new coach, Tina, has been really good. I also fixed the problem I have had towards the end of last season: I can now get my blade out of the water and can comfortably roll up early. Now, I just need to focus on my body prep and lessening the lay-back.
Wow, the esspresso I had at Mike and CJ is really keeping me up! Should really try to go to sleep soon!
posted by Anne-Gigi @ 1:23 AM
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