Tigerlily's first sanctioned CPE trial

Today, Tigerlily ran in her first sanctioned CPE agility trial. So this was a level one "wildcard" game, in which Tigerlily demonstrates her ability to choose the correct obstacle even when two are placed close together in slightly "misleading" ways. For example, you'll see where she needs to go through a tunnel and NOT just go over the A-frame...  Riverside Canine presented a very warm and supportive environment. It was so much fun as newbies to get an actual blue ribbon ("First Place Tigerlily! Good girl!") and "Q" (qualifying score). It's not high on any totem pole, but Tigerlily began  began life so shy and fearful, reactive, I used to be on Emma' Parson's "Click to Calm" list all the time, reporting Tigerlily's episodes of teethchattering and kneeknocking, and so I do have to look back and realize (with relief) how far she has come. I remember worrying when she was one year old, and reassuring myself that if I kept at it, by the time she turned three maybe she would be able to function around other dogs. And just look at her now!  Even in that unfamiliar environment, with all those unfamiliar dogs and people, at three years old, sure enough, she's focused, confident, and having a great time!

 I saw so many inspiring competitors, including two different new friends named "Sandy." I have their videoclips from the trial posted on my videoblog,

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books www.dropshots.com/yasijenny on Jan.26... I told the senior Sandy how much she inspired me and she said, "Because I'm old?" And I couldn't deny that running agility over 70 years of age is something I hope to emulate. She told me that she also skates, and teaches figure skating, and she does line dancing too. I love the people I meet at dog training events! And the other Sandy has a young aussie who also battles dog-shyness, and as her clips attest, she is doing a fabulous job of securing her dog'sattention by the ring!