After training all winter for to trial for a BH with Nora in the spring of 2009, I ended up not being able to do it in the time frame I had hoped. I got Dieter and Nora completely shut down on me. She had a melt down of sorts and would not eat when I put her meals down, she would leave the room if I came into it and she definitely was not interested in playing or working with me. She seemed to be having this self pity party because of the new puppy.
I gave her time and space. We stopped all formal training (as it was basically a waste of time) and I waited for her to snap out of it. It took approximately 8 weeks for her to get back to about 90% normal where she would engage and play again with me.
We picked up where we left off and we are almost ready to trial again. Like most people can attest to, our dogs have good days and bad days and Nora is no different. Some days she is spot on, others leave much to be desired.
I have submitted my trial entry form for a BH (Begleithunde - the preliminary and prerequisite test for a dog going on to get his/her Schutzhund titles. A combination temperament and obedience test. If the dog cannot pass this test, it is not a suitable candidate for further work in schtuzhund) for a working trial in the Milton area the first weekend in October. It gives us a bit of time to practice on that field and adjust to having a goat within 20 feet of the trial field - yes, a goat. It is very cute, but Nora just is not quite that sure what to make of it yet.
I also hope that as the trial is in October, we will not be dealing with a lot of heat. I don't know about other people's dobermans, however mine do not do well in the heat. Mine do love to lie in it and sun bathe, but they are not interested in working in it.....
As it will be the first trial for the both of us, I am remaining optimistic that I will be able to keep my nerves under control for the routine.
