The maturation of Gem...

Gem has been a bit of a puzzle to me. Very soft, very sensitive, very immature, very worried about life even though I thought I had thoroughly socialized her and gave her tons of great experiences. Our journey has been strife with issues, including trust of me on Gem's part She was chased down by a dog at one time during an agility session and that is when I started seeing her become anxious and worried. It then spilled over to other parts of our life. Although not injured by this incident, Gem stopped trusting my ability to protect her. She became reactive and concerned over things that she was once comfortable. I feel as though I have let her down too.

Her worries escalated last Fall when she ran out of an agility ring and tried to get out of the building. She loves training, mostly anything, but her sensitivities keep her from being able to trial. I have all but given up on the dream of doing agility competitively with her. Instead, we have played at other things, like freestyle, barn hunt, nosework and lure coursing. Gem's worries have been detrimental to her herding, her insecurity keeping her from moving beyond diving in and grabbing sheep.

Gem turned 3 in February 2014. It wasn't a magic age where she matured overnight. She is still silly, immature, sensitive and soft. But what I am starting to see is a new courage and bravery. Something as simple as her jumping on the grooming table to be brushed out only very recently happened. She could be a very late bloomer and a glimmer of hope that she may eventually be comfortable in an agility ring or any competition for that matter still exists for me.

The photo below is a confident, focused Gem doing a lure coursing ability test. Chasing a lure over 600 yards requires focus, stamina, speed and a level of maturity that I am thrilled that she is beginning to show. She earned two Qs and needs one more to finish her AKC CAT. I think this is only the beginning for us as a team.

 

Listening and reading Gem are THE most important things for me. Taking things at her pace and letting her know that I do have her back and that she can trust me to do what is right for her. The smile and happiness on her face in the photo says it all to me. I am looking forward to the journey more and more every day.

Another milestone...

Seeker earned his USDAA Bronze ADCH this past weekend. He also earned his Masters Silver Snooker Championship and his Masters Bronze Relay Pairs Championship as well. These go along with his Masters Silver Jumpers Championship too. He has far surpassed my hopes and dreams for our agility career. At 7 1/2 years of age, he is just really coming into his own. He is athletic, conditioned, talented and handsome to boot! Nah, I'm not biased or anything. He is everything I ever wanted.

People have discounted him as an agility dog for many reasons. Ignore the naysayers. There will always be haters. I think we have proven that we have what it takes to get the job done. He's earned his MACH, ADCH, ADCH-B and his ATCH. He's qualified for Nationals several times. He isn't the fastest, but he is consistent, honest and runs with his heart every time we step to the line. All this and he's sweet and damn handsome too... Oh yes and he can do what a Border Collie was bred to do. Yep, he's the complete package for me. Thank you Seeker for always giving me your best. I am humbled by you and very blessed to have you in my life. On to ADCH Silver and beyond!!!

Bronze ADCH Seeker and his loot