Merlin was entered in his first ever agility trial this past Sunday at Flash Point Agility. It was a CPE trial, and the scary part was that it was held outdoors. On a farm. With sheep. Merlin *loves* sheep.

Amazingly, Merlin didn't seem freaked out at all by the setting. He normally is pretty leery of new stuff and new places, but he didn't bat an eye. He has been known to sit down and scratch his ear furiously when he's nervous or stressed, and he didn't do that once. So I feel like I did keep the experience very positive and motivating for him. :)

He was entered in Jackpot and Jumpers, Level 1. I really didn't expect him to do much, given that he's never run a full course, and it's his first trial. We've only been doing "official" training (IOW, not in our backyard) since January.

In Jackpot, I would direct him to an obstacle, and he would do it, or not. I'd say about 1/3 of the obstacles he just passed by. He was a bit taken aback by all the spectators and distractions. Since in Jackpot it doesn't matter, I didn't worry about making him do those things, and just kept it positive and fun. At the start line, he took off like a blur and I realized that he's going to be a dog I use primarily rear crosses on, completely opposite my other agility dog. I even got him on the teeter - first trial, and he's already on the teeter! When the bell rang for the gamble, I sent him to the first tunnel and he did actually do it correctly! I was so proud of Merlin! He wouldn't do the rest of the gamble, but I didn't care. Way to go Merbutt!!

In Jumpers, which was about 8 hours later, Merlin was still focused and attentive. He again rocketed off the start line, only to get distracted by some yummy scents by the first tunnel. I got his focus back, and we continued on. Every time we ran towards the spectators, Merlin did a "daddy check." Afterwards, I told my fiance he is henceforth banned from Merlin's runs. :) He skipped a few obstacles again, but I made him go back and do them. We were doing okay on time, zooming fast as can be towards that last jump.... when Merlin veered off for a final Daddy check. I couldn't get his attention back, and we got buzzed. ALMOST had a Q and a first place. :) I told him I was super proud of him anyway; I wasn't expecting much for his first trial and he gave me all sorts of hope for his future as an agility dog.