Baxter and I went to a United Kennel Club trial this past weekend and we both had a lot of fun. Baxter did such a great job, he did not break stay at the start of any of our trials. He did get a few "off courses" by taking an obstacle out of turn, but thankfully AG-I (novice class) in the UKC is very forgiving about that. I've included links to the professional photographer's pictures, just click the right arrow at the top to see the next picture in the seires.

Our first run (video) resulted in a NQ (not qualifying) because I missed a jump and didn't make him redo it. We had a very good run going and he got off course and started sniffing some grass. I got his attention again, only to miss that jump, while finishing all the other obstacles perfectly and quickly. I don't know why I didn't think to make him take it again. I might have been too nervous or I was worried about time. (One of women in our training group ran out of time, so it was on my mind.)

Our second trial (video) went a lot better. Baxter went off course again, but this time didn't do any of the obstacles out of turn. We came in first place and got our first Q (qualifying run).

We went home that night, took a long nap, and did little work on the wait table. In each of two runs, he would go right over the table. So I made a little make shift table and took a couple of jumps out to the tennis court and we did some work on it. He did really well and learned that he needs to slow down before hitting the table.

Sunday's trials went a lot smoother. The first trial on Sunday (video) was great. Baxter only went off course to sniff some very interesting grass and later he took one jump out of sequence. This run contained the highlight of the event for me. All of our table work the night before had paid off. He approached the table slowly, looked up at me, and sat down. Then he proceeded to scratch himself as the judge did her countdown. I didn't want to laugh out loud and possibly confuse him, so I just grinned really really hard. We came in first place again and got a second Q.

The final run of the day  was a perfect run. He was about to run past the A-frame, but came back and we ran the course without any further distractions. We came in first place with a perfect score and a run time of 38 seconds. I was so proud of him. He did such a great job!

After all that, we ended the event with three first place ribbons, three Qs, a new title (his first), and a big "High in Trial" ribbon for his last run. I was super proud.

The only thing that sticks in my head was before the last run a woman we train with gave me half a hot dog to give to Baxter as a treat right before getting in the ring. This resulted in a very focused dog that ran the course quickly and perfectly. I know Baxter loves his treats, but I think I might have a "Will Work for Hot Dogs" agility dog. =)

Our next goal is to try an AKC agility event in February. Time to work on weaves!!