Its been slow on the show front since January, though I have actually had plenty of other things (like our weekly trips up to the local club to train the little monster) I could have posted about. I’ve just been very lazy. That’ll have to change now. Today was the first of three shows in May, with the other two coming up the 10th and the 11th. We’ll have to hope for a better result there. ;) Today’s judge did not much care for Ringo, and we did not go on from the individual evaluation. This was the evaluation:
Male under development. Needs stronger sex characteristics in his head, somewhat small teeth, dark eyes, head needs to be somewhat larger for the body. Powerful neck, adequate length. Needs to come up a little on his legs, open forearm angles. Good muscle tone, somewhat thin coat today, good guard hairs, beautiful stripes. Needs steadier movements. Accessible and lively temperament.
Result: UKL-2
Some of these things sound quite strange to us, since they contradict things previously said, so we’re chalking it up mostly to the judge. ;) His coat is, however, not great at the moment, so that may affect the other two shows too.
What was great today, however, was his behaviour. Well, great for him, anyway. It seems like weekly training at the club has gotten him to be a little more responsive to me when around a lot of dogs and a lot of people. I have also learned a couple of good tricks for dealing with him when he goes into overdrive, such as just pulling the leash down and standing on it, and I finally remembered to take my time when he did act up rather than hurrying up because I worry so much about being an inconvenience. So, instead of pressing ahead with a dog hanging from my arm and growling at me, I stopped him, waited until he gave in (basically, he had to cool off a bit so I could communicate with him again, since he just ends up totally blocked when he gets too excited), and gave him some treats. I also picked up some useful tips about showing him at a show training this last Tuesday, and I think it helped a lot with keeping him posed fairly nicely in front of the judge.
So, despite a lack of red ribbons, I am pleased with the day, and I hope it made a positive impression on Ringo.