Astro's Rally Practice

Last weekend I took Astro to a Rally obedience run through in Phoenix.  Rally is a more casual type of obedience where you and your dog walk through a course and perform different things when you reach the signs on the course.  Your allowed to talk to and encourage your dog throughout the course.  You start off with 100 points and points are deducted for mistakes depending on how severe they are.  When you start off at novice level your dog is on leash.  At the advanced and excellent levels your dog is off leash healing with you.

We've been practicing a lot at home and in a few outdoor locations, but I wanted him to get some practice in a new location with distractions.  He can still get pretty goofy when we go to practice things in new locations.  This was an indoor facility with new sights, sounds, and smells.  On the other side of the room an Obedience run through was going on.  We did the course twice and the second time I was able to get someone to video us.  At the beginning of the video there is a guy who I'm just going to say is ignorant and is using the old style of popping the leash to try to get his dogs attention.  It's annoying to say the least.

I thought Astro did a great job being in a totally new location.  We weren't perfect but his focus was great and he was really working with me.  I love how his little tail was wagging the whole time!  I started over because his sit was off to the side and figured I'd take advantage of being able to practice it again.  We hit the cone which was kind of my fault, I didn't leave enough room for Astro.  My friend pointed out that sometimes I move my had with the leash behind and that can cause the leash to be tight even though Astro's not pulling.  I also think I need to leave the leash a little longer to make sure it doesn't get tight.  I'm always worried that it will get in the way and wrapped up.  But those are little things that can be worked on.  Overall I am thrilled with how well he did!