Session #2 March 1 Evening

So, I got an email from Martine about Session #1. :-) And I figured that I better be around for Session #2! Martine had mentioned her going under the bar, and being distracted during Session 1 (S1). She felt like she would not be able to raise the bar in the next couple of sessions. I knew that we could work through those issues easily but sometimes we as trainers become too emotional when things are "important" to us. So I wanted to help if I could!!!

Class was canceled on Monday evening, so we had dinner and then went to Martine's house to play with Chief (he was visiting) and work Gilley. Of course we talked for awhile and relaxed a bit with the pups before starting. Carpet, living room, jump. I love that combo! Gilley did really great. She was jumping the jump at 16" very well. Moved to 18". Still doing a great job. Every once in awhile, she would try to go around, or only go one way a few reps but Martine would help her not do that. She knocked 1-3 bars but did NOT try to under any bars .... Martine had said it was an issue in S1. At about this time, G started to exhibit some poorer form. So I had M change the reward placement to closer into the sanction. This helped for a bit.

Then it was clear that it was time to raise the bar. So, I had her take a break in the kitchen, and I raised the bar up to 19-20". When they came back, Gilley did GREAT. She did a few reps at 19" and then M raised it to 20". She thought about/looked under the bar 2 times and both times, paused and pulled head back up and took the jump. GOOD GIRL! After about 5 reps at 20", she was panting and getting tired. The dogs do need to build up endurance with this because jumping the jump that close is physical work. She tried to go around a few times and so M got a couple more good reps in and quit.

Overall, S2 was amazing! I mean, M didn't think G would do the 20"! So it was GREAT!!!!! I knew she could do it! I was super pleased to see them working together and to see the beautiful form that Gilley has over the jump. I knew she would have that form...but it was nice to see it!!!! I can't wait to see this team progress!