That Trialling Thing

[aardogs]

Trialling, I'm just not sure how to do it anymore it seems. There is definitely a pattern here of me going to trials and having wild mood swings concerning my involvement in agility and my desire to be there. I'm not sure what to do about it, but it takes a lot of focused effort for me to remain in a good place at trials.

The Cluster is definitely a different breed of show, however. Very big, very crowded, very long days. And for some reason I entered all four days! Not a great show to try to work on my mental state, but we made it through and overall I can say that I enjoyed being most of the time. Saturday was the worst, I ended up leaving right after our first run and going hiking instead. A good decision to make--I knew that day had gotten away from me entirely.

Despite Panic forgetting how to weave on most of his runs, I was surprised by how well the both of us were running. Panic definitely loves running on dirt. I think he had much more speed than he does on turf--I'm attributing the forgetful weaves to this. We even managed a few 2nd and 3rd place runs in classes of 100+ 20" dogs. I don't usually give placements much weight but I was genuinely surprised and thrilled that Panic (who isn't getting any younger!) and I were holding our own in such a competitive class. We haven't even seen one another, let alone practiced agility, since the first week of January! He's a good boy, I'm very proud.

We only got one run on film all weekend, but it happened to be my favorite run. A very fun course--with a backside! I'm pretty sure he hit his dogwalk, but it was definitely close so I understand not giving us the benefit of the doubt.

One day I will figure out this trialling thing again. I DO really enjoy agility, it's just been difficult redefining my relationship with it. Luckily Panic is always in it for pure joy. He loves going to shows, and I never get tired of how happy he gets when we walk into one. For that alone I'll keep doing it.  

Comments

[penichops.livejournal.com]

Holy crap!! How can you be so good and not like it?! Ahh, perhaps you can lend me some of your excellent running (you are running sooo much faster btw) and your huge fantastic border collie? Just for a little while oK?

You both looked perfect out there, did you win everything with this run? You should have

[penichops.livejournal.com]

oh ok, I just read the post properly and sadface sadface about the dogwalk call. I know, I know you don't care about placements... but if we forget about the dogwalk, would you have kicked arse with that run? Because in my mind you did.

[aardogs.livejournal.com]

Seriously, I DO like it! I love it! There's just something off about my trialling experience, something I'm just not getting or I just haven't figured out yet. Off course it has nothing to do with my huge fantastic border collie (who you can borrow anytime as long as you pay for both of our travel expenses out there;) just the environment.

[nosemovie.livejournal.com]

Really great stuff! Honestly. I think agility is one of those things that comes in many many flavors. And sometimes when we're not tasting the same thing as those around us, we feel like maybe we're missing something. But naw, it's all there, just differently experienced by each team.

[aardogs.livejournal.com]

I think you may have hit the nail on the head. My relationship with agility is changing, but everyone around me is tasting something different now, and I guess I just haven't figured out how I fit into it all.

[brisbeethewhite.livejournal.com]

Wow, Panic was really moving (and so were you!)!

[aardogs.livejournal.com]

Seriously, not quite sure where all this speed is coming from! Especially on my part.

[auseez.livejournal.com]

You and Panic look great! I struggle with the atmosphere at some trials and how cliquey it can be. Also that you are treated by some according to how "good" your dog is! I've found crating from the car can help - and surrounding myself with people who I trust and know well.

You are at a unique place in that you are away at college and then home. It seems like that may make it hard to relate to people and the whole agility scene. It's only a very small part of your world right now....and to some people agility is their whole world.

I may be completely off base with what you are saying?? I just wanted to write because I can relate to struggling with the agility atmosphere!

p.s. Love your art!

-Lori

[aardogs.livejournal.com]

I think that's a huge part of why I feel so estranged at trials. I don't know anyone in my position, I don't think I even know anyone who does agility as infrequently as I do now. It does make it hard to both relate and even feel like a part of the community anymore. Luckily I do have good friends.

[auseez.livejournal.com]

Hang in there. So glad you have good friends! :-)