How To Get Dog Working With Enthusiasm In The Ring

[LabRat32]

Hi Everyone

I have been a long term viewer but I really need your help.

I have a 3 year old Lab cross and she attained her CCD and Novice really quickly.

We seem to have hit a bit of hurdle with OPEN as when I take her in the ring, I cannot get the same enthusisam and concentration as I get when I am training her. This especially applies for the heeling where in training she is reasonably good but when we step in the ring...she is slow and disinterested.

The last couple of trials have been disappointing as she has not performed to her potential.

Heeling has always been her most inconsistent exercise. It looks like when she goes in the ring, she isn't in the mood for working.

How do I change that.It is frustrating as she doesn't perform well when it really counts...

BTW...one reason could be that I train predominately at night and most of the trial is during the day. I haven't had a night trial to test the theory.

Cheers