Midlands Counties.....

Didn't quite go according to plan!!

The schedule said that the judging of the Malinois wouldn't start before 1.30pm but, as it was our 1st benched show, we got there nice and early to get settled. As it happened we didn't get into the ring until about 3.30pm. Reno was happy and relaxed most of the time. He enjoyed "talking" to the other Mali's, especially Speedy, and wandering around but it was really hot and he wouldn't settle down so I think he got quite tired.

As they were Judging the Gron's Jackie and I took the boys into another ring that had finished to do some practice. All was going well.......................until seconds before we went into our ring!

A little boy was playing on the empty benches, running around and bashing them. This totally spooked Reno - he was barking at the boy and hanging off the end of the lead - but he seemed to settle ok when he was in the ring until the Judge tried to touch him. She was great, trying to persuade him and give him sausage, but he just wouldn't let her touch him and she was in a bit of a hurry so had to give up.

Reno ended up Very Highly Commended - in other words......Last!!

Speedy, on the other hand, was a very good boy. He ran lovely and let the Judge go over him. He came second in the Puppy class and then went onto win Best Dog in Breed and Reserve Best in Breed. Well done Speedy!!

After the Judging had finished the little boys Dad kindly let his Son give Reno some treats and stroke him and he then became Reno's new best friend. So a positive to go away with but a lot of work to do before Crufts!