This weekend was our first dog event for 2013, On Friday the Northstar Herding Group show and then the weekend was the Land O Lakes show. It was Wash's second show weekend, and he had a pretty good one. On Friday first was puppy sweepstakes. Wash took second to his brother Malcolm, but then in the show, Wash was Winners Dog and Best of winners for a 3 point major. On Saturday he repeated WD and BOW for 4 points. Today, he was reserve to Malcolm. Not a bad weekend for the boys at all.
Later this afternoon, Wash was able to go in the ring with Meredith, his co-owner for juniors. It was a large class of 22 kids, so Wash had to be a good boy for a really long time. Although I thought Meredith handled him very well, they did not get a placement. However I think it was an invaluable experience for an 8 month old puppy.
Our one issue this weekend is that Wash was showing a few signs of stress. At least I think it was stress. On Friday we ran into a friend of mine who gave me a hug. Wash immediately started barking and growling Initially I thought maybe he was trying to protect me, but I am really not sure. He showed signs of being concerned about new people several times over the weekend. I am hoping it is an age thing, or a hormone thing, or just something we can work through, but I will say its something that made me a bit concerned. So I am pretty sure the little man will be taking a lot of excursions in the very near future-out and about to learn about life.
Overall though, a pretty fun weekend.
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3 comments:
Congrats on your start to the new year! I think they do tend to go through fear periods. I wouldn't worry overmuch; just get him out around people and take lots of treats, make them positive experiences.
8 months is a squirrelly age for a lot of Cardigans. Even my most bold cardi puppies have suddenly decided some things were "weird" between 8-15 months. Just keep him out as much as you can and work on positive rewards for brave behavior! Congrats on the wins...must have been a thrilling weekend!
Congratulations, that is a good start to the year all right!
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