Mar
22
Heading out for the 2017 AKC Nationals
I’m getting ready to head out for my 11th AKC Nationals, and it’s time to think about my goals for the event. It’s a little bittersweet, because this will be Trip’s last one. She has attended 10 times, which is just unbelievable to me. I know I am so lucky to still be competing with a dog who will be 12 in a couple of weeks. My goals for Trip are simple. Enjoy every moment. Stay connected, and don’t take anything for granted. In the last few months her hearing has started to get worse, so I need to make sure I pick her up out of tunnels and stay in her line of sight.
Trek is still a baby, and this will already be her second AKC Nationals. Last year she ran 3 clean and squeaked into the Finals, which I never EVER expected. This year, I’m fighting those expectations. If Trip taught me anything, it’s sometimes 3 clean isn’t enough. Sometimes the last bar comes down in Hybrid to cost you a Finals spot. Sometimes, your dog eats multiple bags of treats in the hotel room and gets horribly sick. I can only focus on what *I* can do. So, I will focus on one run at a time. I will make the best handling choices for Trek, to shave every split second off that I can. I will not be frantic. I will work each obstacle. And then we shall see.
Good luck and safe travels to everyone! And don’t forget, if you’re not going, you can get the Livestream at home from 4 Legged Flix!
