Dylan's Blog
You might remember I posted a couple of weeks ago about Dylan’s contacts mysteriously dissolving. I went back a step with him and he’s gone back to being 110%, even ignoring thrown toys and me dancing about all over the place in attempt to distract him. Even better, I’ve noticed a few times he’s adjusted his stride to ensure he hits the 2o2o, which really shows he understands what’s been asked of him.
This week I stepped up again and put my mini-tunnel out too. Again, we have consistent contacts! It didn’t seem to matter whether we were working away from or towards the tunnel, which was great, and we even managed to practise doing some front and rear crosses. Very pleased about that!
I’ve also started putting up the jumps to full height at various times when we’re doing exercises. Sometimes different jumps are on different heights, sometimes they’re all full height. So far so good! Dylan hasn’t had a problem with the height at all, which I never expected him to do, and he’s coping really well. The only issue I have is that he’s a very careful jumper, he doesn’t seem to like knocking poles. I don’t think he’s scared of falling poles, and I’ve never bothered about warning him about knocking poles because it’s always been something he’s done very rarely, but he just likes to make sure all those poles stay up! Whilst that’s something I’m pleased about, he’s so careful sometimes that he is sacrificing his speed to ensure he jumps nice and clean. I’m not sure what I can do, or even if I should worry at all! I think maybe as his confidence builds this will be something that improves naturally. Any comments very much appreciated though!
We’re flyballing indoor this weekend, and Dylan is coming along to get used to the atmosphere — it’s always a lot louder, hotter and different at indoor competitions, and I’d like him to be introduced to one before he has to compete at one (although that won’t be until next year!). The other reason is that Natalie’s adorable Kai is coming along too for a bit of socialisation, and I’m dying to get a photo of the two of them together. Little Lassie pups!