Observations from Brad Christenson regarding this past AKC weekend trials

p>Attending my first Obedience and Rally as an father/cheerleader/observer was interesting. There were some frustrating things about the organization and logistics of the event, but the dog trainers and the in-ring experience were delightful. 

As we arrived, we found a desk with two people from the club. I mentioned we were new; that this was our first event and asked if they could help explain how things would work, what is expected of us, where we should set up etc. We were greeted with unexpectedly unhelpful responses which matched the rude tone Brooke received on the phone a few days earlier from the same person. I was taken off guard. I thought that a sport yearning for young blood would be more than overenthusiastic to help us have a good experience. 

So we stumbled our way around the venue until Roxanne and team arrived. My frustrations melted away as we were embraced and reassured and guided by all of them. Alice and Mabel had the unfortunate opportunity to go first in both Beginner Novice and Novice Rally. We assumed they did alphabetical order and I mentioned to Alice that we should have named her Zulu or Zanzabarbara or something like that. We watched the other Novice classes to understand the in-ring expectations. All the trainers did so well, and it was so helpful to watch them work with their dogs. With nothing else, Alice and Mabel stepped into the ring and exceeded all expectations. I was so proud. I know how hard they have both worked. They not only gave it a wonderful effort, they qualified with a 3rd place finish in group! 

Alice and I had a fun time collaborating with the team as Rally approached. Again, we watched the other trainers, got pointers, saw mistakes and again, Alice and Mabel performed marvorously and qualified with a 4th place finish.

There were many similarities between Obedience and Field, including some familiar faces. My favorite similarity is how much both field work and obedience work are work. Even though the work is different in kind, the trainers and dogs are working HARD. Field work is loud, fast, and intense, the obedience ring is slower, softer, calmer (on the outside) but it was just as intense. I found myself holding my breath through the turns and commands. I caught a vision for where Alice and Mabel will be someday. I'm so excited for them to get there. 

We can't wait for the next one.

Brad Christensen