Proofing

With both Dusty and Shiloh there was absolutely no question when and how to begin proofing these dogs - Dusty was so unflappable from day 1 proofing was a breeze - how lucky for this Novice A person! When Shiloh came along his sound sensitivity and trying to be "the boss" required early and constant proofing. Blitz is too ill to undergo the stress of proofing - he gives me what he gives me, and if he is well enough to show I'll take whatever score we get. Moto is a completely different personality from all the others and totally lacks confidence. I cannot figure out why or how this happened, but whenever we are in a new situation it takes him quite awhile to acclimate to it, feel comfortable, before we can begin training.
He's made leaps and bounds lately in our training regimen, and I entered him in Open at a fun match this weekend. When we got there they were running ahead of schedule, no one else was able to do their run, so I had literally a quick warm-up and into the ring we went. This was not good for Moto; his heeling, while correct most of the time in placement, was NOT what I wanted in attention. I chose not to ask for attention as I felt this was too much for what he was capable of.
In discussing this with others, other opinions are that I SHOULD ask for it and quickly reward. I think that they are right - I'm not talking about jerking into position or correcting for not looking, but perhaps it's time to start upping the ante more. ON the good side he was able to do all the exercises just fine. I would have liked more speed on retrieves but they were quick trots out & back - but again, maybe it's time I start letting him know what I expect of him. It's a very delicate balancing act I have to take, for overdoing it has a long-term negative reaction with him.
But, all of a sudden, I have dates I'd like to make: there is a 1 day Sheltie specialty in February in Des Moines. I'd like Moto in Rally Novice; if Blitz is feeling well I think I'll bite the bullet and throw him in Novice. Then, in March, our Sheltie specialty. Both boys will be in the same classes again. I want/need Moto to get lots of ring experience to help season him, but I want him to look good, so time to get moving.
The Sheltie Nationals for 2011 will be in St. Louis. Oh, I HAVE to have a dog to enter in obedience, and it HAS to be competitive. We have over 1 year. I think we'll need that full year to get Moto ready.
So, that's my early resolution for 2010 - begin proofing, get out there and start showing Moto. Oh dear!