Bob earned his Novice agility title with the CKC on the August long weekend (2003). This was our first experience trialling in agility. As you can see from the pictures Bob had as much fun as I did. Bob qualified 3/4 trials placing 2nd, 3rd and 2nd in his class. As a new handler in agility I got in his way and he missed a contact spot in our first trial and otherwise ran a perfect course.

I have been told by my friends that I sound like a drill sergeant on the course, probably my excitement and afraid that Bob wont know which obstacle to do next!!! I was also the only one at the trial who ran the entire course with my dog on the left side, good old fashioned obedience habits. Now that we are hooked, we will try working on both sides and start working on our weaves. Special thanks are extended to Kim Cooper of Best Friends Dog Training for allowing Bob and I to achieve this initial goal and to Frances Holmes for giving me the push I needed to enter the trial.

September 14, 2003

Bob got his last leg for his CDX title this weekend with a 195. He finally put it all together. He got his first leg in Petawawa with a 196.5 and a first place, second leg in Ottawa with a 196 and fourth place and his third leg this weekend in Arnprior with a 195.

Bob was so flashy, happy and wonderful, he kept me smiling all weekend. I am very proud of this special boy and thank David Swartwood for producing such a wonderful dog of such great temperament. I was complimented so many times this weekend on how happy and up Bob was.

This morning Bob scored 40/40 for his heeling, wagging that little or not so little stump of his all the time. He has gotten quite relaxed on the stays and felt obliged to lay down on the sit, given he passed yesterday, what was the point I guess he figured.

April 5, 2004

Bob got his first AAC title on Sunday, April 4, 2004. He needed one more leg of three to get his Agility Dog Canada title under the Special category (the lower jump height), so now he has "SADC" after his name now. He earned the first two legs on March 14, 2004. He placed first and got Top Special Dog for all three of his qualifying legs.

One lady complimented Bob and said he looked like the happiest dog there. Bob is in his element doing this (or maybe its retrieving birds?) but he can't talk and this is more fun for "both" of us. I wish there were more Springers in agility. They are just made for this sport. We are tuckered out now and have a break from trials until July. We need lots of time to train for advanced.

Until then, keep active and have fun doing whatever you're doing with your dog. That is what it's all about.