First FastCAT Trial!
Wrangler has always been a fast dog. He's always zooming around the backyard, running around in fields, he's running almost everywhere he goes!
Last year I brought Wrangler to a Super Pet Expo and they had a ring that had a Lure course. Lure coursing is a remote powered pulley system with a string and a plastic bag attached to it, the dogs then chase the bag and run the course. The course we did last year was nothing extravagant but Wrangler loved it and that's all that mattered!
2-7-2020 Super Pet Expo Lure Course!
Since the pandemic we weren't able to do many activities but since things are beginning to get back to normal and the nice weather is coming I wanted to see if I could get Wrangler into some competitive sports. We follow an account on Instagram called ‘Jerseydoesthings’, Jersey is a Vizsla that competes in many competitive sports but she's always winning awards in FastCAT! She inspired me to sign Wrangler up for his first FCAT trial, I then went on the AKC website and found the next one available which happened to be the last one until September!
The Big Day!
As always we prepared for the day out. It was a hot sunny day so-- tons of water, a tank full of gas, Air conditioner pumping, and we were ready to go! When we arrived at the park that was hosting the event I was nervous; Wrangler curious about what was going on, dogs everywhere people with tents, chairs and then we see a pavilion with a table with such beautiful ribbons and awards! This had to be where we checked in, we approach the table the woman asks for us to do roll call.
Roll call is when they check you in, and make sure your dog is fit to perform, good health, and no injuries.
We’re next!
I’m watching the dogs before us perform and they all look like they are having so much fun! Then there’s me, still nervous, still anxious, I look down at Wrangler he has a big smile on his face excited for whatever life threw at him. I started to feel at ease, Wranglers happy, he’s enjoying himself just standing here with me. What could be better then that.
Here it is, we’re up! I had to go at the end of the course to recieve Wrangler once he was done, he was not happy about me walking away from him, new environment, new situation. I go in the course over 100 yards away, I can't even see him, then I hear him barking...he's noticed the bag. They move the bag alittle to create that drive. Now he's released, I can finally see him, he's running still unsure but he's running! He looks so happy, chasing this stupid little plastic bag, and boy he is fast!
First Run
Photographer: Dean Lake Photography
I catch his collar, leash him, now we wait for the results. I brought him to the Jeep to let him cool down before our second run. A/c full blast he's breathing so heavy with a huge smile on his face.
Once he's settled we go for roll call again, he's perfect and ready for his second run. Now he knows what he's supposed to do, he's focused, he's ready. I get in the course and he's released. Holy crap he's even faster than before! His body so low to the floor, he’s like a bullet. His strides much longer now gaining ground so much faster! He finished the course within what felt like a blink of an eye, the bag stopped, he's staring at it waiting for it to move for him to chase it again! I leash him and we are walking away from the course he's barking, he's pulling, he's trying everything to get back in there to go again! Back to the A/c we go! Then we wait for our results. He's much more tired this go around, he's laying in the back of the Jeep, breathing heavy, drooling, tired, but happy.
Second Run
Photographer: Dean Lake Photography
The results are in!
He did so much better then I could have imagined, for his first run.
He ran 100 yards in 8.04 seconds at 25.44 mph! Over 25 miles an hour for his first run!
He did even better for his second! He ran the course in 7.78 seconds at 26.29 mph!!! I'm sorry what?!?! My dog is a speed demon!
We didn't title yet but if he continues to do this well he should get his BCAT title within the next 2 events! September can’t come soon enough! We will be training to keep this great momentum going throughout the summer!
Thank you everyone who's believed in us and continue to push us out of our comfort zones!
Get out there, explore, you never know what might happen!
June 20th, 2021
