Awesome weekend at Rally!

johann · #1 19th September 2010, 06:19 PM

Johann was a super star at our rally trial this weekend.

It was at our training center, so he had to spend quite a bit of time in the car and crate...not like our usual trials where we hang out all day. Still, he warmed up well and behaved.

He got 5 (

) qualifying level 1 runs! We got our Rally level 1 title.

Lots of stuff to work on (lost quite a few points for tight leash moments), but he was better than I could have imagined. We tried one amusing run at level 2 (off leash). We made it thru one sign before he decided to grab the sign and run around.

I'll have some pictures soon.

We had a blast.

whiskers · #2 19th September 2010, 06:46 PM

Wooohooo! Congrats to you both!

Question--was he pretty proficient at obedience commands before you started classes with him? I think it'd be something interesting to try with Juno but I don't know if most people wait until their dog is already good with the commands. Our biggest issue, I think, would be heeling. And I wouldn't want to look like a fool lol.

johann · #3 19th September 2010, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiskers

Wooohooo! Congrats to you both!

Question--was he pretty proficient at obedience commands before you started classes with him? I think it'd be something interesting to try with Juno but I don't know if most people wait until their dog is already good with the commands. Our biggest issue, I think, would be heeling. And I wouldn't want to look like a fool lol.

Johann had a good sit/down/stand, decent stay, and solid at loose leash walking (not heeling). Rally has helped his heeling immensely and the "rally games" our trainer uses help reward the dog choosing to heel.

A basic foundation in obedience is good, but not necessary to be super proficient. I found that Johann was much more interested in rally classes than regular obedience....it's more fun and interesting for him.

Give it a try with Juno! It's a lot of fun.

johann · #4 19th September 2010, 07:49 PM

Picture of the weekend:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y25...nnrallypic.jpg Photo by John Wooley photography

The writing on the sign is ironic.

His off-leash behavior needs more work.

Paper-Dogg13 · #5 19th September 2010, 08:08 PM

That picture is PRICELESS!!! Looks like even though he didn't heed the sign, Johann had a blast going off leash! I can't wait to go to our next Rally trial!! We have a while to go before we go off leash, but I bet he'll have fun. Rally is such a fun way to connect with your dog! Congrats Johann on your level 1 title!

Paper-Dogg13 · #6 19th September 2010, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johann

Give it a try with Juno! It's a lot of fun.

I agree, it's a lot of fun!!!

whiskers · #7 19th September 2010, 10:53 PM

LOL awesome pic! He's definitely having fun!

Sansal · #8 20th September 2010, 06:32 AM

Great picture

Congratulations, Johann

good job!

RockyCody · #9 20th September 2010, 07:21 AM

Way to go Johann!

HAHA, I LOVE that picture

wait....sit? heel? How about I steal the sign and run with it, that's what I FEEL LIKE DOING...

oh boxers - such goofs

larrygs · #10 20th September 2010, 08:26 AM

Congratulations on getting the Rally title!

I absolutely love the picture! LOL, seems like Johann needed to remind all he is a boxer. Unbelievebly cute, something you couldn't have set up!

Gatorblu · #11 20th September 2010, 09:18 AM

Congrats on your rally! And the picture is great! I would frame it!

johann · #12 20th September 2010, 12:06 PM

Thank you everyone! The picture (and another one of him running) is going to be framed.

He won the "Dog having the most fun" award for the day.

Rally is a fun, laid back sport. All the competitors (in my area anyways) are super nice and supportive. I had quite a few people come up to me and say "I hope you know we were laughing with you, not at you" after Johann's romp around the ring.

We need more boxers to do rally. It's nothing like competitive obedience (seems too serious for me)- the focus is on having fun and a good connection with your dog.

Good luck at your next trial Charlie-paper!