It is almost official!

[Faye413]

I had decided about a month ago that Merle and I were going to attempt the trek to TN for the Nationals this year. Since I have a long-term goal of acquiring a show-potential puppy, I thought it would be a good idea to go and see a large variety of Danes in one place. After I announced to a close friend that I was going to Nationals, she suggested that I think about entering Merle into novice obedience and/or rally. I spoke with our trainer to see what she thought, and she said that with hard work, she believes that Merle could be ready by October to give it a shot. So...I just wanted to say out loud to people who understand that I AM SO EXCITED (and nervous) about this! Tonight we are going to a drop-in novice obedience class to get started on training for the real thing. Our two main goals are off-leash work and increasing the time that I can hold his attention without treating. Wish us luck in our training! :)

[Meatos]

What an excellent goal - good luck!

[Sara]

Yippee hurray!!!

Some things to take into account - I believe the host hotel is full right now, but people will start backing out of their rooms around September 1st when the deposits are due, so be patient.

Before you make a reservation at a different hotel, please check with someone who lives in the area to make sure you're in a "safe" location.

Happy training - it will be great fun!!

[Faye413]

Yippee hurray!!!

Some things to take into account - I believe the host hotel is full right now, but people will start backing out of their rooms around September 1st when the deposits are due, so be patient.

Before you make a reservation at a different hotel, please check with someone who lives in the area to make sure you're in a "safe" location.

Happy training - it will be great fun!!

Thanks for the advice! :)

[Roosevelt & ME]

Congratulations! I wish you and Merle the very best! Don't forget to take lots of pictures and I'm sure you'll come home with a trophy!

[SassySasha]

great goals...no matter what happens! wish you luck in your training and hope you're a winner. dont forget to post pics here so we can all admire.

[Bighoneydog]

Oh good luck from me and Honey too!! We are also just starting to work on performing with treats so I totally understand where you're coming from! :)

And what a coincidence, we have also just decided to compete at the Nationals here in New Zealand! It's also a trek - 8hrs drive - and I wasn't sure as it seems crazy to even imagine a Dane competing in Freestyle with all the top working breeds...but we've been encouraged to do it so we're going to give it a go...I guess even competing at that level is an honour!

And our Nationals are in October also!

So we'll be in training together...! dance2

Hsin-Yi

[bssjm]

Good Luck! We might see you there!

[Roosevelt & ME]

http://dolforum.com/forum/image.php?u=32856&dateline=1244251677

Hahahahha! Such a nice boy! Won't you come in for some milk and cookies? roflmao

[CalicoRock]

Hope to see you there. Be sure when you get your reservation that you send in your room assignment form to the division. This is separate from the hotel reservation.

As Sara said, we expect to have some vacancies when it gets closer to credit cards being charged the then non-refundable deposit.

I am the hotel liaison so if you have any questions, please ask.

[luvmyson]

Yay thats awesome Casey! :)

Is Dolly home now?! So excited to see pics & hear more about her!!!! :D:D
We pick up ours tomorrow! I'm totally nervous but so excited!!

[LibsDW]

We will be going to nationals too...We have a reservation with the host hotel and will be competing in Rally and Obedience!

[Faye413]

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) a lot of things have changed since I posted this. Dolly is coming home today and the money that I had set aside for Nationals...well...you know. :) We will definitely be planning on going next year. Plus, based on Merle's recent psychotic behavior, I'm not sure that he would have done real well in the competitions just yet. I am sorry that I'm going to miss so many Danes in one place and that I am going to miss meeting some of you! :(