WE WON! - Canine Restoration Challenge Update # 3

The Canine Restoration Challenge did not pull any punches during the competition. With only two weeks to train our pups we were faced with a day of trials that tested the relationships we built. What was supposed to be a two to three hour indoor event was pushed to a three to five hour event outdoors. Let us just say all the trainers and pups were sweating and competition was literally pretty hot! On top of that, our pups needed to focus on us as a crowd of people and pups surrounded our arena with no gates. Distraction levels were at an all time high. 

Due to the location change all the tests got a remix on how they were setup. Nobody, not even the judges,really knew where we would place each of the test items. This really put them in a tough spot because they were already so focused on doing their jobs as judges and then they also had to figure out all the details for each test item. That is when Clyde and I volunteered as tribute! They asked who wanted to go first and we stepped forward to the challenge. We got out there boldly even with all of the uncertainties. We had to hold close what we did know for certain, our bond as man and his dog. 

I was so proud of him on each of the twelve tests. We were walking through food and toys, holding a down stay while I solved a puzzle, coming when called, and overall having a brilliant time all without using food rewards during each test. Before we could make it into the final top three we had to transform into Indiana Bones. Together we located on the map the entrance to the hidden temple. After the other eleven dogs showed off their talents, we were then chosen to be in the top three and go head to head in the finals. Indiana Bones made his return in The Temple of The Lost Chew Toy! We were awesome together! Finally it came down to the great hot dog recall at the end of a very hot and very long day of doing our best. I called Clyde and he blasted through all those hot dogs...then his belly started to grumble, his hound dog senses were tingling, and the big puppy inside said...HOTDOGS! With one U-Turn and grasp of a hot dog, we were knocked down fifteen points. That is equivalent to getting a zero on three of our twelve tests. 

With that we lost the title to The Canine Restoration Challenge but we did come away with something even better. Clyde and I had amazing teamwork throughout the competition. With only two weeks together we achieved so much. This challenge really brought the two of us closer together. I am so excited about the journey ahead and all the adventures we will share together. You win some and you lose some but in the end WE WON as man and his dog.

Never Give Up On Your Dog To Achieve Greatness!

---

From Pack Dog to Family Member,
Trevor Smith
"Life seems brighter with four paws at your side"
#besomebody