Vader and I did AKC this weekend at the Salem Fairgrounds. The Shetland Sheepdog Club was hosting this one. Since it was in our backyard so to speak, I decided to enter.
Saturday the weather was super windy and off and on rain. The parking lot there is a mud pit.
Despite all that, Vader Q’d in all three runs on Saturday! We did FAST, JWW (Jumpers with Weaves) and Standard, all Novice level. His FAST and JWW Q’s meant we moved to Open for Sunday. He was perfect all weekend. Courses were open and flowing and really easy. We were definitely the “ringer” in Novice.
Sunday was just as much fun! We Q’d in all 3 runs with perfect runs. His weaves were amazing, his following me and responding to my cues was phenomenal. So pleased with our teamwork. He is so much easier to run because he actually runs! His JWW run today was a 4.83 yps run! Saturday was 5.31 yps!
This was my second ever AKC trial. I have to admit the atmosphere is different. At USDAA it was always the same people volunteering but they were always there, ready to go. At this trial there was a lot of asking. A lot of loud cajoling to get people to help and volunteer. It’s too bad really because the folks that do volunteer and do a lot of the work? They are going to get burned out on it.
Anyway we might do more AKC in the future, who knows?!