Martin Reid
Hey Hayley thank you and congratulations on the qualification!
The weaves look super and actually a really consistent technique which is fantastic 😀
Yes, definitely see what you mean. He is running differently compared to what he is at training, He’s definitely more cautious of the environment. Great, you can get to some new venues, but also I think it will be super important that there are other dogs and people around in those environments as well – I felt like the odd time he was looking at the people over the Gate on the start line etc etc
The barking on the start looks excellent as well!
First of all from handling point of view, There are some possibilities to boost confidence. I thought on the odd occasion during the run (for example, the start line in the agility) you could have probably not been so far ahead, if you’re closer to him, it will probably give him more confidence to run faster (but I understand this is hard to judge as you are not sure what speed he will set off at). Also in that run the blind into the threadle – it got the job done and you succeeded because you qualified, but I think if you would’ve handled with the German turn, it would’ve kept you moving (which in turn should keep him moving even quicker) rather than the threadle as when you stop moving, he slows down.
In preparation for Crufts for the 4 to 5 weeks beforehand, I would just practice realistic situations that you will see to boost confidence and general enthusiasm (no need to practice any difficult courses in this time) so if you want to practice some more difficult or teach some more difficult skills I would do this in the next month so then in February you can start just doing lots of confidence and drive building exercises
Hope that helps!
Martin