Harry's first Utility A leg (a pictorial)
Everyone in the obedience world refers to it as "futility" because it is so hard for the dogs. We have been in the ring over thirty times and the one judge on Friday told me the average is about twenty-one times to get a first leg. We often go to the trials and none of the Utility A competitors qualify. I have been with the same people all year long. We were the only Utility A dog to qualify all weekend, including our three previous attempts. Harry has been close several times but then he started back sliding on some of the exercises. I decided to take some private lessons from a trainer who is one of the top B class competitors in our area. She has helped us so much. I have seen so much improvement since then. You have to successfully complete all six exercises to pass (qualify). You can lose points on stuff and still qualify as long as you do the core exercise. Harry lost lots of points because he didn't do most of his fronts or finishes. He also dropped both of his articles and the glove before he picked them up again. Signals (no verbal commands are allowed) He lost points for lagging on the heeling Click through for fullsize image:   The judge tells you to "Stand your dog" and "Leave your dog" as you head across the ring to signal your dog commands on the judges gestures. Click through for fullsize image:   The signals are Down, Sit and Come Click through for fullsize image:   Click through for fullsize image:   Click through for fullsize image:   This was one of the few fronts he gave me Click through for fullsize image:   Scent Discrimination #1 (he must retrieve the leather or metal article that I just put my scent on from a pile) Click through for fullsize image:   He lost points for dropping the article and not giving me a front or finish Click through for fullsize image:   Click through for fullsize image:   Scent Discrimination #2 (he must retrieve the other type of article that I just put my scent on from a pile) Click through for fullsize image:   Click through for fullsize image:   He lost points for putting down the article, it was #6 next to him, but at least he turned and picked it up again Click through for fullsize image:   At least he did a front this time Click through for fullsize image:   Directed Retrieve (he has to retrieve the one of three gloves that I indicate) You can see that he dropped the glove and has picked it up again between the second and third picture for more lost points Click through for fullsize image:   Click through for fullsize image:   Click through for fullsize image:   Moving Stand for Exam (you must Stand your dog while heeling, he must stay while the judge examines him and then he needs to return my side when called) Click through for fullsize image:   Click through for fullsize image:   Click through for fullsize image:   Directed Jumping (the dog must go out across the ring and then take the jump indicated; then repeat the exercise for the other jump) He lost points because I had to give him a second command to sit both times and he didn't do his fronts. Click through for fullsize image:   Click through for fullsize image:   Click through for fullsize image:   Click through for fullsize image:   Click through for fullsize image:   Click through for fullsize image:   Click through for fullsize image:   We qualified!! Click through for fullsize image:   Showing off his ribbons Click through for fullsize image:   |
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 Harry...I knew ye could do it~~~~~~  |
| First of all - CONGRATS!! (green for the qualifying!!) Also - wonderful pictures that captured it all along the way! You and Harry have worked so very, very hard for this....so nice when it all falls in place.  |
 That's great!!!!! It's so rewarding when hard work pays off, looks like it was fun too! |
| YAY! Thats awesome!!!!!!!!!! |
| Congratulations! I am wondering if the presence of a new little squirt of a brother has given Harry a push. Can't have baby brother pass Harry by! |
| Awesome job! Congrats! Cindy |
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