Let me begin by stating that this is not the update I had hoped to share, nevertheless, I am just as proud of Freddy and my first ever trial regardless of the outcome.
For the past 2 months I have been exclusively preparing Freddy for his IGP 3. Well, that statement is partly untrue… As most of us that know Freddy, he was ready and just needed some fine tuning and cleaning up of a few areas. These 2 months were spent on me focusing on becoming a better handler, understanding, and preparing for all (or as many) of the “What if’s” that could arise in any of the 3 phases and ultimately becoming more confident in my abilities, knowledge and preparedness for the trial. This time spent was basically a “Crash Course” in becoming the level of handler that Freddy deserved. My goal was consistent and never wavered, “I am asking a lot of Freddy (7 ½ years old) so it was my responsibility to not give away those points that he was working so hard to score, that’s what being a team means, he does his part and I must do mine. I can honestly say that we achieved this goal.
As the day of the trial approached, and with this being my first trial, all of the expected nerves, butterflies and doubts were present. There was always something new that came up in training that was unexpected, i.e. a dropped dumbbell over the 1 meter jump, a missed turn in tracking, Freddy going extra gangster in the transport… it was always something. But all of these “somethings” benefited me with new experiences and opportunities for me to improve my handling skills and confidence in a chaotic moment. Rather it be learning a new training technique, using a new tool, or understanding the role I played in a certain situation, it all made me better and more prepared.
Finally, it was trial day! We woke early, took care of business and loaded the truck. All the nerves were gone, we were ready. I understood the mission and all that was left was to execute. We arrived for check in to find out that IGP 3 tracking would be first as opposed to what I had originally planned for, but we were ready. On the ride to the tracking field it started to drizzle a little, I could only laugh, what else could I do? I got Freddy out of the truck, emptied him out and walked to our flag and checked in with the Judge. It was “Show time”! I tucked Freddy’s tracking line and gave him the command to Such! I had always laid Freddy’s tracks, I knew where the turns were, I knew where the articles were laid, but not on this day, this was the very first “blind” track I have ever ran with Freddy. I had my tasks that I was responsible for to ensure I didn’t cost him any points and I had to trust my dog. I did my part as the handler and I TRUST my dog. His track was so methodical, so exact, it was one of the most peaceful moments that I can remember, it was just me and my dog, nothing else existed for those few minutes, it was beautiful!
Freddy found all 3 articles and we picked up and walked to the judge for the critique and score. In all honesty, I still can’t tell you very much from the critique, I was just waiting for the score. My goal was to pass, but I knew he did well, then I heard “98”! I was shocked, speechless, I was PROUD! I swear people could hear me smile with the pride I had for my dog.
Our next phase was Obedience, certainly a bigger role for me as handler but one that I was ready for, I had done this routine by myself at least 10x a day for almost 2 months in addition to the mental reps. Freddy was ready, he was powerful, responsive and on point. We were moving well together, with focus and with a purpose. Then during a left turn, Freddy rolled his left front ankle. He began to limp and favor that leg. After a quick triage of the situation I remember the Judge asking me if I wanted to “Pull”. Of all the variables that I had prepared for, the constant issues that arise during normal training, injury had never crossed my mind. It was obvious Freddy was not 100% and there was honestly no choice to be made. Freddy is my dog, “My Little Brother”, his health and wellbeing is my utmost responsibility. We pulled from the trial due to injury.
As quickly as that, our day had ended. I had so wanted everyone to see Freddy’s power in protection, but on this day that was not His plan.
I apologize for this being such a long read, but I just wanted to share my first experience in trialing a dog in the sport of Schutzhund. Do I wish it would have turned out differently? Certainly. But I wouldn’t change a single thing. This will not be my last trial, and the experience I gained, the training up until that day, the many friends I made, the wonderful sportsmanship I witnessed made this a truly wonderful experience. I have so much admiration for all those that compete, this is a very hard and a sometimes-unforgiving sport. But for that brief moment during and after Freddy’s track…I want to do it again and again!
I want to thank USCA Judge Authur Collins for his fair assessments and helpful critiques. You made me feel at ease and treated me like I belonged there, I appreciate that. Lora Nix for all the help with getting both Freddy and I prepared, Josh Frizzell for countless hours of excellent and safe helper work and to all of our club members for your acceptance of us into the club and all the wonderful support throughout.
I want to thank Freddy vom Sulzachgrund! He is my ‘lil brother, my greatest teacher, and the best dog I have ever owned. I didn’t get you the title that you are worthy of, but I could never be more proud of you than I was on Saturday!
Most of all though, I want to thank Maja Owens for supporting me during all of this. More than anyone else, she knows my personality and thankfully understands that when I set a goal, I get so consumed with me becoming the best I can possibly be, I was gone all the time and even when I was there I was doing mental reps or practicing my about turn or something else. Thank you for having patience with me My Love. And thank you for being so understanding and supportive! I love you more than the world!
Photo credit: Autumn Wallen
