March-Busy Dog Trainer

As you can see the month is almost over & I am just getting around to blogging about dog training. Just a little on the busy side! We have the UKI trial coming up this weekend at the Lazy E. What can we do in 3 days to be ready?! Here are a few things that I do before trials. First I will do very little in equipment today & tomorrow. The day before any trial I don't do any equipment. It is my thought that before a big game day you should rest up. Yes, I exercise my dogs & play with them but I do it in the form of walks and games. Second, I will spend more time on the basics such as stays to make sure they are GREAT at the trial. I will also give out more treats/toy these next few days for circle work, stays, recalls and crate work. Why? Well, since I am giving high reward now when I get to the trial it is more likely that my dogs will stay with me & not do other things when in the ring. This will be Wicket's first trial and since he is very green I don't plan to get any ribbons. We may run every run with a toy in the ring! My one goal for him this weekend is for him to stay with ME in the ring. I am going to do all I can these next few days to make sure Wicket does just that. Last of all make sure you have a warm up routine for your dog before going to the trial. This not only gets my dog ready but also helps me to be in the zone before going into the ring. Good Luck to all! -Heidi