New UKC Champion

It has been a while. I wish I were more consistent about my training and about my blogging.

What prompted this entry is that I took Morgan and Merlin to a UKC show this past weekend. I wanted to put a UKC championship on Morgan because I could do it myself. It was great fun. I love going into the ring and showing off my dog. Caroline made Morgan look absolutely stunning. She got a lot of attention at the show from spectators and exhibitors. We got the championship but not without the help of a fellow poodle Lister who put her teenaged bitch in the ring. Unfortunately she shuts down in the ring but that was good for me because Morgan won and was able to finish her championship. One person said that she was probably the most beautiful poodle she has ever seen. That makes me feel proud. Morgan already thinks that about herself :)

The more exciting news, for me is that Merlin earned his first High in Trial. We had the highest score in the Rally trial and it was a wonderful feeling for me. YAY Merlin. He did perform beautifully.

We got back home last night and today we went to train in the training building. Merlin, who has been over the top lately, behaved so well we were able to do our entire freestyle routine with only minor stops for silliness.

Morgan, too was very very good. We did a warm up and she was ready to heel. I only walked in a circle with her but she kept her attention on my fist the whole time and I was so proud of her. She did the little hop off to get started. I love it. She was also able to do a 360 degree left turn by moving her rear end AND she dig the finish right on verbal commands only. YAY! I was not as happy about her recall. It still is very slow. I tried throwing a toy between my legs but I only had one so couldn't work the cheese ball game. She did do PB&J very well so I think I'm just going to finish up the Sue Garret Course before I do more formal recalls with her. Merlin comes in like such a bat out of hell. I guess I'm just holding her to too high of a standard. However, I do think she can come in faster---hell when she runs around outside or on agility equipment, she's a blur.

That's all we did today but I think I am going to enter her in pre-novice at the poodle club specialty and see if she is any better this year :)