Well, 32 other dogs besides Connor competed in the beginner level at the DSO, so I'll include all of them as well.
This is a training trial, so you can have your dog on a prong or other training collar for a 5 point overall deduction. Harnesses are allowed.
the judges are nothing if not professional
Our decoys got ready - there is no trial without decoys! We love our decoys!
Into jail you go! Some of you may remember the pictures from last year. The jail is the same thing they used for the elevator last year.
A "friendly" decoy opens your cell door
and runs away. Of course, running decoy often means chasing dog, so you have to keep them next to you.
Some people's dogs helped them dig under the wall
Some people shoved some dirt out of the way, and used their dog for a power assist.
Get behind the shed and take a breather. The decoy is hiding in there, so the dogs who remember that took a little convincing to pay attention.
Now head to the ginormous A-frame. It was about 6 feet tall. You had to get your dog up to the platform first. It was easier for some
than others
When help is needed, help arrives
You put your dog in a stay and climb up to the top
then help your dog over to the other platform.
Some dogs needed some help with this - this woman had driven out to purchase this dog on Friday, and was brave enough to compete with him the next day. Cheryl trained him, so helped out when needed.
the dog waits on the other platform while you go over; some more patiently
than others
now, it's off to the shooting gallery...
he's shooting to "kill"
sizing up the guard
pick up a black box where ever you find one
run!!!
sometimes having a small dog is a distinct advantage
now it's time to deal with the razor wire... and hula hoops (which many dogs don't like at all)
after all that, you decide that jail is much safer, so you go back... but don't forget your black box!
Then you play deal or no deal with
the mistress of ceremonies - you can keep what's in your box or trade her.
Now, it's off to protection!
First, you are in the car, where someone approaches you and has a neutral conversation. Your dog
has to watch quietly.
but when that guy gets mean,
your dog better scare him away!
some dogs made extra sure that the bad guy was gone!
now, we head to the tie out.
the cable is there as a safety measure, you have to be able to hold your dog while a bad guy approaches and threatens you.
Some dogs didn't have quite the showy display of others, but they still wanted a "piece" of the action.
The final exercise, after the dogs are nice and wound up is the friendly stranger who walks up to
you to talk.
you put your dog in a position of control and step away from him to talk to the guy.
then that big meany grabs you.
and your dog takes him out
Each dog gets the training that they need, sleeves, softer jackets, tugs or a slip
*phew*! That was easy!!! NOT!