Horizon and I are still alive and are finally moving into non-service dog things! It feels so great to have a mature dog who can handle being an SD and an active, trick learning, sport dog. Plus we now have the freedom to pull ourselves in as many different directions as we want! It is so reliving to work in new venues again, and since he has more than basic pet skills I mainly just need to focus on my handling/engagement skills (which relieves a lot if pressure for me).
So far we have added the “SPOT-ON” and one Rally title to Horizon’s name! I’m thinking next I’ll turn in our proof for the Do More With Your Dog titles and get it certified with the AKC (... maybe solidify a few of the advanced tricks by the end of April so he can get all of the titles at once). Then we have a CGC/CGCU planned in late May, will probably do more Rally entries, and see about getting into a weight pull trial. Possibly look into some of the more demanding sports after more health testing has been done, but I’m not too worried about doing any one thing. I’m just so excited to continue training with my dog and teach him more comminucation skills!