Today, not exactly AT Applewoods

Although Applewoods is officially closed for business on Sundays, it doesn't mean that today was not a busy day for Applewoods Dog Training.

A group of us all met up in Beltsville, MD at the first match of the season at Canine Training Association (CTA). Matches are a great way to test your dog's readiness to enter an actual trial, and they are also a great way to "take your show on the road" when training. Typically, matches are set up exactly like obedience trials, except that the judges and stewards are most likely volunteers who are members of the facility hosting the match. There is no scoring, unless you request that the "judge" scores you. And, they don't count toward titles. So, even if the match judge gives you a perfect 200, you haven't earned a leg toward a title.... sigh....

Steve and terrier Sasi were there to work on Open. Kathy and Doberman Jasmine entered both Open and Utility. Pam and Brussels Griffon Cabot also entered both Open and Utility. New apprentice trainer Mike came out to cheer us on, and even brought a friend.

This was the first time that both Jasmine and Cabot did full Utility run-thrus in a completely new ring setting. Both dogs have been to CTA for other events, but this was our first trip into the Utilty ring. Both did a fantastic job on scent discrimination, but both need lots more work in the other skills before we enter a real trial. Cabot had trouble with his go-outs, especially after the directed retrieve. Since he was sent for the #1 glove, he thought that was the new go-out place. Sigh... Jasmine loves directed jumping, but still needs some work on the signals. Sadly, Steve and Sasi were in another building and we missed their run.

It was a great experience for everyone, and we all went home with a list of things to work on!