It's been two weeks since my last update, two weeks before our first Rally and Obedience trials. It would be great if Casey and I do really well and people think about using clicker training because of us. I do want to relax and look upon the experience as a learning one, working to improve our routine. If we qualify I will be on cloud nine no matter how we do. 
We've been a bit delayed due to the weather but I've had Casey out on field trips at a few places. It became evident early on that just doing distraction and attention work without worrying about obedience skills would be the better way to go at this. We've been to the local Petsmart, a nearby shopping center, a couple of parks, and today visited the local university. So many scents! and people! and other dogs! and squirrels! I had to remind myself we were just working on handling distractions. Lots of reinforcement. Clicking for turning toward me, looking at me, keeping the leash loose. Gradually we did some short heeling stints, and I entertained other pedestrians by dancing about to encourage Casey to find heel position. Like me, Casey seems to be largely kinetic. Treats are good, but let's boogie! We did get in a short sit stay, some stands, recalls, finishes, and a bit of heeling. I think the campus had loads more distractions than we'll have at the trials, we'll see. I intend to take him back out there a few more times and some other places if I can. We start Rally class tomorrow night, but I think he has the skills he needs to do Novice Rally. I just need to refresh myself on the signs so I can give him the guidance he needs.
Where we stand:
Heeling: Heeling is very good without distractions. If I can get the distraction control then it will be fine I think. Figure eight turns are good, again it's the distractions. Halts are good most of the time. Slow pace is very good. Fast pace needs to keep moving forward rather than leaping into the air. He did well today.
Stand for Exam: Again it's the distractions. He has the exercise itself down, but when a stranger approaches him he moves toward them. I think if we get the distraction control it will come.
Recall: Very good. Both finishes are good.
Group stays: Need to complete down stay to full time and distance. Sit is pretty good. Distraction control can only help, but so far he's doing pretty well.
Looks like continued skills work and distraction work. More field trips with emphasis on distraction work and more skill work as control kicks in. Practice my handling and do some run-throughs, maybe just complete exercises first and then run-throughs. I also want to practice in what I'm going to wear and the collar he'll wear since we've been training in his everyday collar. LOL dress rehearsals! 
