Everyday Q's

As much as I enjoy the Q's and new titles that come along with trialing, they really don't compare to some of the other "everyday" successes that we've experienced in recent months. For those that don't know, Peyton can be extremely reactive. And by reactive, I mean varying degrees of barking, screaming, lunging, etc. to dogs, people, kids, and anything else that worries him. I'm pretty certain it's a fear issue, and while I've worked very hard with him over the past few years, it still requires a lot of management.

For quite some time I was convinced that we would never make it to an agility trial - not because of zoomies or any other training issue, but because I didn't think he would be able to cope in such a high-energy, stressful environment with *lots* of other dogs, strangers, kids etc. running around. And while I think we've still got a ways to go with regard to his overall comfort level at trials, he's made tremendous progress. 

Last week in Perry we only had a few cases of reactivity and each time it was after he saw one woman - not sure what it was about this person, but there was something about her that made Peyton very upset. At one point he was in his crate (which was completely closed) and he started screaming - I looked around and sure enough, there she was at a nearby photography booth. I know he couldn't see her so I'm not sure what exactly was setting him off - her voice? Her smell? Aside from those few instances, he was really pretty good. We even had a little girl hanging out in the section right in front of us all weekend - I don't think he barked at her once.

I think my proudest moment all weekend was when we were in the elevator at the hotel and when the doors opened to the lobby and we were greeted by 7-8 squealing kids! Not too long ago this would have given Peyton a heart attack for sure, but we managed to walk right out and past all of the kids with just the smallest little "woof". I almost cried. :) 

So while I'm sure it sounds like I get overly excited about every single run, it's only because I never thought we would get here. And since I've already been reminded by several that Excellent will not be easy, I can only respond by saying that I really don't care. As long as Peyton is having fun and playing the game *with* me, we'll continue to celebrate each and every run - no matter how ugly some might be. :)

Here are a few shots of my spotty boy who now thinks that hotels are fun *and* for sleeping (with a big hooray from me for the sleeping part!)...