Competition

There is a certain format of training session that lends itself wonderfully to creating competition between dogs. It is something Rugby had all through his Novice, and Open training and scattered through his Utility training with Pete, the lab. We have been missing it for a while, and it has been so obvious that it is gone!

Two days of working Diesel and Rugby simultaneously has really livened up both dogs. I switch back and forth between the two of them and the difference is amazing! Both of them are working extra hard and paying extra attention.

Diesel was much quicker on his drops, and we were able to start the baby beginnings of a drop on recall.

Rugby did the circle of gloves, and made each turn perfectly, marked beautifully to each glove and didn't make even one mistake.

Diesels off-lead heeling was a little sloppy, but it wasn't for lack of trying. He was giving me the most attention I have had from him in a while, especially when we had the distraction of his family so close by. We even took the retrieve on the flat off-lead.

Rugby practiced the return to heel, from the moving stand and he was QUICK! None of that slow finish stuff that he has been doing. Then two go-outs the length of Diesel's front yard. Still quick, and straight too!

Just a coincidence that both of them had a really good day? I don't think so. We have to train this way more often.

Also... 2010 First and Foremost Ratings were published (by Front and Finish). Rugby is #1 Maltese!