Well, despite training and training and training some more, the CDX title eludes us. We had another trial this weekend and it didn’t go well. Dog sports are incredibly humbling!

Beau knows all the exercises and loves to work, but lately he is more excited to leave the ring, which is the one thing you don’t want during a competition.

We attempted Saturday and Sunday and both days had their issues. Saturday I scratched willingly due to a small dog being crated under the Judge’s table, right up next to the ring. As soon as we started to set up, he caught the dog’s scent and started over to the gate. I quickly excused myself and we left the ring with an NQ.

Sunday I was feeling confident and ready and we set up without issue. We started off on heel and made it about 3 paces before a dog started making noises. At that point, Beau realized he could ‘make a friend’, and leapt the ring gate. Sigh. There was a hearing at the event and we await our fate from the AKC.

What gets me is that this was my planned last event of the season, regardless of outcome. Now, we go back to the drawing board and see if I can keep him engaged enough to stay in the ring. That’s the risk of a dog that loves all dogs. I am feeling defeated, dejected, and derailed.

UPDATED: The AKC sent me a letter of notice, outlining the incident. That was it. The outcome is still embarrassing but I know we have plenty of time to adjust and work out a new plan. In the meantime, we will continue training and maybe spend a bit more time relaxing and enjoying walks with our dog (and human) friends.