My Ames Arena Nose Work Trial weekend didn’t really go as planned for team pink. As a matter of fact, it turned into a big disaster. Sometimes things happen that we don’t anticipate, and that was the case at this venue. I did pretty well for myself at my first two NW3 trials, but I came in dead last at this one. It was disappointing, but dog sports is all about working together and learning. We learned some important lessons that we can keep in mind for future trials.
Ames Arena is always a super busy place when we have trials there. Bailie has trialed there, and I have been in the car, but it was my first time actually trialing. As always, I was super excited to get going and sniff. For some reason, from the beginning, I was super distracted. I had a lot of trouble focusing on the task at hand.
I was busy looking at all the people standing around, lots of them are my friends, but I couldn’t visit them. There are streets on two sides of the area, which means a lot of car noise too. These black toolboxes were simply not very interesting. My mom had to pretty much put my nose on them for me to even consider sniffing them.
Finally, I did tell Mom about one that had a hide in it, but I had wasted so much time being distracted, we ran out of time. There was a second hide out there, but I never told anyone about it. The hope was that I would do better on my second search, but things only seemed to get worse.
I did enjoy my second search, but I wasn’t looking for what I was there to search for. When I did find a hide, I didn’t tell my mom. I’ve been really good about telling her lately, so this was a sign that I was not comfortable in this place.
The big dumpsters smelled amazing, but sadly, there was nothing hidden on them. A lot of time was wasted with my recreational sniffing. I did find one hide, on a wheelbarrow, but only because Mom took me to the wheelbarrow, and told me to search it.
On the way out I cruised by the pallet, and of course there was a hide on it but we were out of time again. Another failed element. In interiors, I found all the hides, but I did not tell my mom about any of them. She was forced to guess, and she guessed wrong every time. Job security for me!
Vehicles was my last search. They were inside the Ames Arena on some fake green turf stuff. I could not seem to pull my nose up off the floor.
The hide I did find was on a wheel. I found it and told my mom which made her really happy.
I didn’t find the other hide, and I also found it odd when the judge said yes. Normally I don’t pay attention to that. Something about the place just put me on edge which has never happened before.
The second day, in the afternoon, it was so bad that I broke out of my kennel and tried to run away. Luckily, friends caught me and found my mom. At that point she just drove me home. We will trial at the arena again if the chance comes along, but for now, it was just a lesson in how not to be at a trial. We still had fun together, and that is what counts.
**All the photos in this post were purchased by My GBGV Life from Caprise Adams, the trial photographer for our own use.**
Something there was sure distracting you, but you found the fun and smiles so hooray!
I did have fun, but I was not my usual self.
I’m sorry things didn’t go so well. That happens sometimes. You are a good sniffer and have the ribbons to prove it. Don’t lose heart, you will do better the next time. Love, Duncan
It was disappointing, but I am so young and have already accomplished so much, it is bound to hit some speedbumps at some point.
yes…to be together and to have fun is the main thing… and we know that you are da bestest scenthound of da whole world… btw: we love the bag with your logo , it looks fantabulous and it is like a talisman ;OL)
Thank you. Emma ordered that about two years ago. We love it too.
Oh no, some days it just doesn’t click. Very nice photos!
Yeah, our team was a hot mess, but we still enjoyed the day together.
Gee whiz Madison — it seems that things didn’t click at this trial! I wonder what was distracting you? We like how you write — it does make mom and me laugh. Glad you two had the right attitude! And we are really glad that the friends caught you when you broke out of the kennel! have a good day, your friend Lilly
I was totally spooked, even barked at some people I like and I never bark at people. My mind was on max overload and I wanted out. Good thing friends held me down so I didn’t get outside. Mom was in total shock as I’ve never done something like that.
Oh, my! You were certainly having an off, distracted weekend. I understand because I am having a tough week getting used to my new ball of energy. XOXO, Sparkle
I bet it is tiring having a youngster around all the time, and you probably have to train her too.
Aw, some days are just like that. Ducky had a bit of a rough time yesterday, too. Glad you and your Mom had some fun together and learned some lessons to apply to your next trial. And super-glad that your friends caught you when you broke out of the kennel!!
Mom said I am never supposed to break out of my kennel again, never! It was fun, and I was happy, just somehow spooked by the entire place.
Rye had a rough scent trial a few weeks ago, too. It was so bad we’re seriously considering stopping scent trials altogether because I don’t want to traumatize her. I’m glad that you were still able to have fun even if it wasn’t the best venue for you!
I’m normally fearless, or I have a fright but get back to work. For some reason, this place did not agree with me at all.
Madison – we all have bad days – at least you had fun!!! Next time you will sniff out more skins! Please do not try to escape from your crate again – very scary for your Mom (and us!).
Mom was not happy when she came in the building and saw me pinned down by two people. I’ve never busted out before and I am not supposed to do it again.
Even days when everything doesn’t go as plan, y’all are together and that’s what is important!
Team pink all the way!
If you didn’t like it then mom was right to bring you home. Pups are way smarter than we give them credit sometimes.
Have a woof woof day. My best to your mom. ♥
I was flipped out the second afternoon. Mom has never seen me like that before, but when I got home, I was fine.
Could it be that you just were not feeling well? Or perhaps you sensed something about the other participants or a judge that you didn’t like. We may never know, but let’s hope it doesn’t happen again.
It was an ice arena, very big, lots of noise, strange people all over the place, commotion on the roads by some search areas. A lot of dogs had some fear issues. It’s a good learning experience.
Everyone has an off day, and we guess this was one of yours. We’re sure you’ll come back and do better next time!
It happens, and that is alright. I’ll be back to my old self next trial I’m sure.
Not every day is a winning day. At least you’re safe!
Of course, the goal is always to earn a title, but the experience is really the important part.
We all have dog days like that🐾
Thank dog you’re safe & you & mom had a dogventure to remember or not😉
🐾💜🐾
Oh it is one to remember, but probably not our favorite one to remember.