Clean Run Magazine - January 2010 - 70

On the line, here we go. “Cider, party time!” We had a great opening going. Then, two jumps and my engrams for the wrong course kicked in. Cider was headed at Mach speed for the next jump so I yelled, “Cider, come!” I pulled her off the next correct jump. She listened, but I think I distinctly felt her paw slap me in the buttocks before she cleared the off-course jump I indicated. The slap was well deserved because it created an impossible 120° weave entry. Nope, she didn’t get it. This is when the dunce cap appeared and I ran the rest of the course with it on. I left the ring with a happy dog anticipating treats. Jim Smotrel asked me, “What was that?” I replied with an inarticulate “I dunno.” The sudden realization that I had certainly walked and run the wrong course is a humbling experience. Once over the shock of embarrassment, I apologized to Cider and showered her with extra treats and love. And that is why my dog didn’t qualify. There are many reasons why our dogs do not qualify. I thank the competitors at the Dog Owners Training Club of Lynchburg, Virginia, for creating the following list of reasons why their dogs did not qualify: • I didn’t walk the course. • I walked the wrong course. • I forgot the course. • I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. • I blew a front cross. • I was too tired to care about a Q. • I overcorrected the teeter approach. • I false turned when I should have just turned. • I was tired; there was a party at my hotel that kept me up all night. • I tripped and stepped on the orange tape. • I stepped away from the tunnel so he did too. • I had negative thoughts on the course and my dog must be a mind-reader. • I am an idiot. • I was moving in slow motion. • I couldn’t read the numbers fast enough and got lost. • I said Go when I meant Here. • I neglected to tell my dog what the next obstacle was. Who has that mind-reading dog? • I couldn’t develop Plan B in .002 seconds. • I didn’t remember to use his lucky slip lead. • Apparently screaming doesn’t pull a dog away from an off-course. • The sun was in my eyes. A Better Way TM Maintaining the joints of an active dog is paramount to a healthy life. Herbsmith Soothe Joints assists in the maintenance of healthy joint capsules and the preservation of thickened joint ﬂuid. Herbsmith Soothe Joints is complimentary and compatible with glucosamine products - a step beyond glucosamine supplementation. It has all natural herbal qualities that maintain normal movement. Herbal Blends Also Available for:  Seasonal Allergies  Anxious Behavior  Health of Athlete  Discomfort  Immunity ™ Soothe Joints Visit www.herbsmithinc.com for more information or to ﬁnd a retailer in your area. Herbsmith formulas are also available at www.holisticanimalsupply.com or at www.cleanrun.com Available in tablets and powder . Clean Run | January 10

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Clean Run Magazine - January 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - January 2010