On May 22nd and 23rd, Mellie had a most incredible successful set of runs at the American Rottweiler Club National Specialty all-breed agility trial at the Washington County Fairgrounds. She qualified in 5 of her 6 runs, placing in all five runs. Three first place ribbons and two second place ribbons. She really earned one of the first place ribbons, as she was in a run-off for her Exc. B. Jumpers with Weaves run on Friday. She managed to run that course clean both times and with a time as fast as she has ever run. I could not have been prouder. We also did the new FAST runs as they were offered both days. With qualifying runs both days, she earned the second and final legs of her Novice FAST title. She double Q’d on Saturday, but a mis-step in the chute on her Standard course on Friday, kept us from earning one that day. She managed to rack up 60 more MACH points for those two days as well. Helps to get those high placements and earn some multiplier points.

Abby was entered in 6 runs as well, but she qualified in only one, her Open Standard run on Thursday. She did do all her contacts (including the teeter!) and earned a first place finish to get that elusive first leg to her OA title. Unfortunately, some trial stress crept in and she had some issues with weaves and the teeter for the remaining courses. She did do the distance challenges in her FAST runs, however, and once we get some more trial experience, I am sure we will get those legs soon enough.

The weather was just idyllic and it was a very enjoyable day challenging ourselves on the courses. Both girls had a good time and we are looking forward to more outdoor trials in the summer months.

On May 11, Mellie and Abby competed at the agility trial at Twin City Obedience Training Club. Since this is where they train, they had home court advantage and they capitalized on that. Mellie had two great runs, earning a second place finish in the Ex. B Jumpers run (with 9 seconds under course time) and a first place finish in the Ex. B Standard run (11 seconds under course time), thus adding another Double Q to her growing total. She also managed 35 MACH points for the day. Not bad at all.

Abby, not to be outdone, absolutely excelled in her Jumpers run, she was debuting in the Exc. A. class at this trial. She was 15 seconds under course time, a phenomenal 4.95 yards per second speed. She took first place and her owner’s unending pride. She would have beat many dogs much larger in size and stride. Unfortunately, she continued to have some issues with refusing the teeter and hesitant with the dog walk, so no qualifying leg yet in Open Standard. All in all, a great day at the agility venue!