It's not Fair to Compare

Last night was our Open class. I love going there as the set-up for training is ideal - lots of distraction, a loose format, as well as helpful suggestions from the teacher. We arrived late (thank you, clogged I-35) so missed the group heeling - DRAT!. But we did some attention heeling while others worked the various Open stations. Moto is really understanding that he needs to give attention, even when he is worried. I need to continue to be diligent and work hard on this daily.
As usual, I found trouble with ME. In our class is a talented OTCH trainer with her Terv. We compaigned together for our respective OTCH's a few years back and are pretty even when it comes to our training and accomplishments. But now, we are uneven. As I watched her and her talented young puppy I felt awkward with myself and Moto. In her presence we looked like an A team. Her pup (just a few months older than Moto) is far advanced in her work and was performing beautifully in all exercises. I found myself envying the dog's drive and work ethic. Her problem was keeping the dog toned DOWN, while I have the reverse problem.
Then I remembered my first trainer all those years ago with Dusty when I compared him to another Sheltie. She came down on me hard and said "it's not fair to compare! Train, don't complain!" You know what, she was right, and that statement holds up today. Rather than watch with envy (and Moto is sensitive enough to feel that negative energy) I focused on him, encouraged and praised all good efforts and the result was Moto brightened up a bit. Most impressive was when he was on a down awaiting the up-sit signal for Utility when a rottie came into our area retrieving a wayward dumbbell. Moto was worried but he held his position. Good boy!
I need to remember my trainer's statement for the rest of our career. Moto is a dog that when he learns it, he'll retain it, and if I can be a good enough teacher this could be a remarkably consistent dog.