There was an AKC All Breed Dog Show, Obedience and Rally Trail and an AKC Agility Trial in Cumberland, Maine this weekend. We decided to go up to Maine a few days early for some sightseeing and vacation time. It was a hazy, hot and humid weekend.
On Wednesday Jack and I drove to Maine with Ivan and Dylan.
On Thursday we spent some time at old Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth which is the home of Portland Head Light. It is a beautiful, dog friendly area. We walked the dogs on the trails and they were able to cool off in the ocean.
On Friday it was off to the agility trial. Dylan qualified in Excellent A FAST for his third leg and earned his Ex FAST (XF) Title. He had two other good runs but unfortunately knocked one bar in each class so did not qualify. After the trial we went to a nearby recreation area where the dogs found a disgustingly muddy brook to play in! We headed back to the agility site to hose them off before going to the motel.
Saturday proved more challenging. We had entered Ivan in conformation and Rally Novice B. This created a conflict with one of Dylan’s agility runs which caused us to be running back and forth between to two show areas.
In conformation Ivan placed 1st (out of one!!) in the 6 – 9 month class and we were pleased with the way the judge examined him and how he behaved. It was a great first time ring experience for him. We then dashed back to the agility, warmed up Dylan and ran him in Excellent B Jumpers with Weaves. He had a clean run but was over the course time by just .16 seconds! (6/28/10 Update: I just found out that the time is round down and Dylan actually qualified in his Jumpers run giving him a DOUBLE Q!!) Then back to the obedience area for Rally. The trial was running over an hour behind schedule which was a long wait for Ivan. Fortunately there was shade for both Ivan and us. Despite the heat and the long wait Ivan, at 6 months 4 day old, qualified with a score of 92 for his first Rally Novice Leg. Back to agility. Dylan had a super run in Excellent B Standard agility and qualified.
During our time at the agility and obedience trials we were approached by several people with questions about Ivan. They were most interested in his breeder and linage and made comments about his great looks and temperament.
We stayed one more night in Maine but had not entered either dog in anything. We feel a three day trial is too much for Dylan and one day is more than enough for 6 month old Ivan. On the way home we stopped at Old Orchard Beach and let the “boys” play in the surf.
It was a great weekend.
Ivan at Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Portland Head Light
Playing in the ocean
Agility trials are so stressful!!
Dylan earning his Excellent FAST Title (XF)
In the muddy brook!
Ivan in conformation
Ivan in Rally Novice B
Ivan with his qualifying ribbon
The dogs on Old Orchard Beach
Congrats to you, Dylan and Ivan. Six months already??? He is growing up so quickly. I love those first two pictures…Ivan is so handsome.
CONGRATULATIONS on Ivan’s first Rally leg and on Dylans’ new agility title!!!
Bringing puppies along to competitions, like you have/did with Ivan, is an excellent way to socialize a dog. Anything you do to get them out and about in a positive manner is another experience that builds confidence.
I am really liking the pictures from the North East. It looks so beautiful. The picture of the rocky shoreline and lighthouse reminds of the North shore of Lake Superior…and makes me feel home sick for Minnesota. Also in that photo Ivan really looks like his momma, Allie. Love the joyfulness of Ivan running on the sandy beach.
Thank you for sharing!!!
Handsome, handsome, handsome…such a magnificent head and only 6 months old!!! OH, and you too Dylan!
Lynda, you have done an excellent job with this great pup! Congratulations on handsome Dylan’s new agility title and Ivan’s first Rally leg!
It is hard to believe that Ivan is only 6 months old. What a Looker!!!
I always enjoy your photos.
Great job, Lynda, Ivan and Dylan!