I needed to do something with Iris, but she's still too young to start hard core agility training.  Enter Rally-O which is a more relaxed form of traditional Obediance.  Competitors are encouraged to interact with their dog the whole time.  Iris started Rally class in July.  We attend classes taught by Iris's breeder and co-owner Diane Ellis.  Diane encouraged her students to enter the Rally trial held in Fitchburg at the Wachussett Kennel Club show.  So, even though she hasn't completed her initial series of classes, I entered Iris for this past Friday.

Going to the trade center at the Royal Plaza hotel was insane.  I've never been to a dog show before, so I found all of the noise overwhelming.  Iris settled quickly.  After much waiting, it was our turn in the ring.  The noise was so overwhelming, I couldn't even hear the verbal commands I was giving Iris.  Fortunately, I've been working her with both verbal and hand commands.  A score of 70 is needed to earn a qualifying leg.  Three legs, gives you your Rally Novice title.  Iris finished with a very respectable 87.  Diane and I are thrilled.  Iris was most likely the greenest dog there, and she focused like a champ.  Diane watched our run and tells me that Iris had eyes for me alone.  We're looking forward to North Conway in a few weeks.