Humble joy.... Charile got 2 Q's and the big yellow ribon - first Rally trial

[Kyoko]

Charlie had her very first Rally trial today. I am very humble and proud of how she did. You know, I started this Rally classes, because of her fear, anxiety and aggressive behavior. All I wanted was for her to build some self- confidence, so that she does not have to act like a maniac. Before we got there, my main concern for her was other dogs and new people, new place, etc..., and her fear & anxiety. So, the first round was pretty messed up. She just could not focus on me, looked around,stopped, turn around and looked at the judge, like " Why are you following me?" and went over the fence to see what was going on in the other ring, since the lady had pretty high pitched loud squeecky voice, telling her dog what a good boy he was, etc....She certainly seems more interesting than nerve wrecked mom. I had bunch of tight leash, and I ended up touching her, which NQed us. The second course was very complicated and confusing, many people before us missed the sign and got NQed. We went throught the course pretty smoothly. This time, her focus was MUCH better, did not miss anything, and we got Q with 181 point. I was so excited about this. I never thought that she will be able to do things like this.....And the third round came. This course was much simpler than the second one. We messed up on the serpentine turn a little, and the judge told us to do it over. This time it was fine, and rest went fine, too. Later I was very surprised to see that she earned 202 point!! What was more surprizing was that, she earned the third place!!! ( First place was tie with 206 point ) I could not believe it!!

But most of all, what I am proud of her the most is that, she did not once barked at another dogs. She passed through, sat, walked around them fairly close. No thundershirt nor gentle leader!!

Good job Charlie. I am sooo proud of you ~

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Congratulations, Kyoko! I know how hard you and Charlie have worked, you should be very proud of this accomplishment! Good girl, Charlie!

[Ginny Nightingale]

Great job! Both of you!

[Kyoko]

After the each run, I took her outside - beautiful farm like area - on a long leash and played and played. When the whole thing was over, I suddenly realized that I was thirsty!! Three of my kids did competition dancing for years and years, but this was more nerve wrecking!! Last three weeks, I took Charlie to the near by shopping center for everyday on my lunch, reinforced her for attentions and becoming used to the public with many different people and noises.......It certainly paid off to look like a crazy dog lady !!

[GBK]

WooHoo congratulations to both you and Charlie! What a great accomplishment, how were your nerves, did you breathe?? I so understand the not being able to hold their attention. Whenever we are done with our run, both of mine just love to relax in the fresh air with their mom. I am really happy that Charlie was relaxed and enjoyed himself too.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is fantastic news! You must be so proud of Charlie....and I hope you're also very proud of YOURSELF. Great job.

[Kyoko]

Thank you all... I was really happy that she did not bark at anyone nor try to lunge at the other dogs. And at one point, I was able to sit near the group from the same school with Charlie. She was able to relax there and get massage with belly up!! I never imagined she would be able to do that....

[F, Calla & Luca]

Congratulations! What great progress.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Kyoko Oh OH OH. I am so much more than happy for you both. I know how hard this can be with a dog who is not the silly dilly cute doodle. We had a bad day here when my son stopped in for a visit. UGLY! But just reading this gives me the push to continue on. GREAT JOB

[Susan and Sasha]

Great Job Charlie!! Your Mom has good reason to be proud of you!!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Congratulations Charlie. Both on winning 3rd place, and keeping your cool!