a good day

We were asked by the Danish
Hunter's Association to go to The National Show and join the
Representing the Hunting Dogs bit they do there. The National Show
started out many years ago as a show for farm animals and has bloomed
into a show of farm animals + fair for nature lovers + general market
fair. That's the best way I can describe it. Google "Landsskue" if you
want to know more.
I chose to bring Saga along and Hubbie brought our unflappable 7 year
old male Oban. We were there for something like 7 hours Saturday and
5-6 hours today, doing two shows each day along about 14 other
hunting breed dogs. And it went fabulously - she took everything in stride.
Dogs, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, rabbit ("oh so fun, look at that!
Mommy can I please pick just one of those up?" ). Assorted fowls ("fun
fun fun play play play pleeeaaase?")
Horse carriages, strollers, bikes, tractors. Children and adults
clapping and petting her....
We did the shows in a ring surrounded by people - including dogs and children. It was a 100
sqmeter ring and we did the shows along with about 14 other dogs (= close quarters). She heeled,
walked backwards, stacked, sat, retrieved and even lay down to relax
when not asked to do anything much for a while as the HPR's did their
bits.
I knew she was a steady calm dog, but she really did surpass my every
expectation. Remember she is only 1½ years old...
We could retreat to a small grassy area behind the tent - or of course
could have gone home if needed - but neither was. A couple of times after close encounters with something - the the cow being given a shower - we found a quietish place and did 5 or 10 c/t for eyecontact and attention, then she was calm again. Whenever something unsettled her she sought eyecontanct which is very gratifying. It was a good
weekend...*beams proudly*...
Christina and the tired chessies