So Close at Water test!!

[amyk]

We went up yesterday to the Bear Mountain Water Test. Eloise was SOOO close to passing! She got through basic control, which I was so happy about because I wasn't sure if we would, and I think we almost didn't. A train actually passed by in the down stay and blew it's horns!! And Eloise was tilting her head back and forth to the sound, I thought for sure we were done! lol

Then after a long time of sitting in the pouring cold rain, which was very unpleasant for me, great for newfs, Eloise was very ready. She breezed through the single retrieve, which I knew she would, she lives for that bumper! lol Then I thought she would breeze through the drop retrieve, but she actually hesitated. That's a first, but she did go out to get it pretty quickly.

Then the take a line, my nemesis! lol This has always been a problem. Eloise hasn't quite gotten the concept, she thinks take a line means take a rope to my roommate. And I've trained her with many other people, but she's not quite there yet. But anyway, she took the line from me and started walking around on the beach looking for my roomate. lol I got her back in the water and going out to the caller and she stopped literally like 5' from the guy and came back! Maybe she expected my roomate to be out there, I don't know. lol

Then she did great on the tow a boat, she did just perfect on that, and she swam with handler pretty good. Actually she swam with handler probably better than she ever has before. Maybe she thrives in the test situation? lol

I really was so happily surprised at how well she did. We didn't pass this time, but she was so close! Hopefully she will get it next week at NPD.

Congrats to all that did pass!!

 

[NessaM]

Aroo! Awesome!

 

[KatieB]

Awesome job Amy and Eloise!!!! I'm sure she'll get it at one of the next tests she is entered in. What an awesome girl to do so well with how little she's been training lately. She sounds like one special newf!!! How are her hips doing? Good luck next week and hopefully you will have lots to brag about.

 

[sarnewfie]

VERY huge congrats to you, even though you did not get the title, you are one step closer! remember, we have days where we dont do everything perfect either!!!!

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

It sounds like she made a great effort and will do great next time!

 

[Prdmary]

Sounds like you guys did very well and were very close! I bet you'll get it next weekend! Good luck!

 

[M & M's Mom Linda]

Amy...you and Eloise did fantastic! I heard the train and thought "oh no" but she held. The water work was great and now you have one under your belt so the next one will be easier! She can do it! Great seeing you guys...missed you at dinner.

 

[Blacknewfs]

Sounds like she did a great job! You should be proud!

 

[Sailorgirl]

Great job! I know what a heartbreaker that can be to be SOOOOOOOOO close! Hang in there and best of luck at the next test!

 

[amyk]

Honestly, it really wasn't a heartbreaker at all, I was completely ecstatic that she did as well as she did! I was not expecting her to get passed the basic control, and I figured the take a line she wouldn't even get in the water! So she did amazing! I was incredibly proud of how well she did!!

She was limping after sitting out in the raw cold and rain for that whole morning. I ended up not doing the test yesterday again because I didn't want to push it seeing as I have 4 more opportunities. But after sleeping for a long time yesterday morning, she got up and was good to go. So we'll be ready for next week!!

Linda, you did a great job too with all the stewarding stuff! I'm sure it was exhausting getting up so early both days and being up and moving the whole time! Thanks for your hard work!!

 

[2Paws]

A big congratulations to both of you for training and entering a water test. Good for you. Sounds like you both did fantastic for your first test.

If you learned something from this test then it was a success for both of you. Good luck next week-end.

 

[Ivoryudx]

Well congratulations, but now you need to have higher expectations about that basic control.

She showed you she can do it!

One thing you might want to invest in, is some heavy moving blankets, and a foam bed. Take them along, so when the weather is cold/damp she has a soft, warm, familiar place to rest. I always did this with Ivory, as she always got stiff on damp/cold days. I'd put her in the van (no crate when we were waiting) with the moving blankets over the foam bed (large enough for her to stretch out)and it really helped her. If she was wet, I could go back and fold the blankets different directions to soak up the water, or just remove the top one if it was too wet.

Good Luck next weekend!

 

[amyk]

That's a good idea Susan, thanks!

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement! She did surprise me this week, so next week, I will have more faith in her! lol And maybe myself as well!

 

[AngusMcDubhsMom]

Hi Amy, we were thinking about you and the others at Bear Mtn. yesterday while we were in Eliot. I'm sure you'll do it next time and you guys learned doing it this time. Big hugs to Eloise!!

 

[DBaker]

Way to go!! I agree with everyone, one step closer. She looks like she's a natural. A few minor tweaks and she'll have her WD!!!