Here's What Happened

As it is with all dog shows (in my case anyway), it was filled with highs and lows. Both boys were entered in Beginner Novice, which is a hybrid between Rally and Novice obedience. It's a great class and a perfect venue to show a green dog. Even this class filled and it was a very competitive class. On Saturday I got what I wanted with Pinch - he had attitude, no fear and a great time. Everything else needs work. A lot. But that will come in time. I was really thrilled with the pizzazz he put into his debut and how we train at home he brought into the ring. No "my dog works a 200 in the back yard" with him! Moto turned in a so-so performance and neither dog was in the ribbons at either show on Saturday. It was interesting to note that Moto did show a lot more confidence at the second show, however.
On Sunday it was just too much for Pinch. He was acting goofy before we got in to the ring so I knew things were going to be bad. Unfortunately our judge was the follow-closely-and-talk-loudly kind of judge and Pinch didn't want any part of it. Once we finished the heeling pattern I asked to be excused. My reason for entering Pinch was for him to learn the ring was FUN and this was not fun. I was disappointed but I knew entering him was premature, and he'll have plenty of time to shine in the future.
Warming up Moto - who was last dog in the ring - I was mentally pleading with him to PLEASE qualify and do good. It would be so nice to end the weekend on a good note! Into the ring we went and I felt it was a pretty nice run. However, I felt that yesterday in the 2nd show and we didn't place so I figured it would be the same again. Plus, the dogs that had been placing all weekend were in a runoff.....again. *sigh* I was still happy, though, as this was Moto's best performance all weekend. When they announced first place it was our number! Shocked, we stepped up to get our blue ribbon. Then the score: 198.5! The highest out of that class all weekend! I was just thrilled.
So our weekend ended nicely.
Moto CAN pull it out of a hat sometimes.
I'm already devising a training plan for Pinch to better prepare him for the ring. This will not be a bomb-proof dog and I need to prepare him as best I can so he can shine, too.
We are all very, very tired.
It's only 7:00, snow is coming in, so I think the pups and I are going to call it a weekend.